As Nuno Espirito Santo, the manager, secured his first win since replacing Steve Cooper, Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood was the hero of the day.

In an unforgettable 3-1 victory at St. James’ Park, the New Zealand striker scored a hat-trick against his old team, Newcastle, to propel the Tricky Trees up to 16th place in the Premier League standings.

After a penalty kick by Alexander Isak gave Eddie Howe’s team the lead on home ground, Wood was there to square the score just before halftime.

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Before scoring his third goal on the hour mark, the former Magpies centre striker scored an incredible solo goal shortly after halftime.

Wood said: “We needed three points and it was fantastic for the side to get it. This is a tough place to come. The boys did extremely well.

“We felt like we did well in the second half, we felt like we were the better side. Nice to get the three points.

“We showed we have quality in this team and a team that will work hard.

“I don’t mind where I score! It is nice coming back to Newcastle, I really enjoyed my time here, it is a great bunch of lads and staff.”

In his post-match interview, Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White highlighted Wood’s contributions and emphasised the necessity for his team to develop a “identity” under Nuno’s leadership.

He said: “It starts from the start of the week when we start building into the game. It’s about building our own identity with how we want to play.

“We showed that today and credit the big man [Wood]. He scored three brilliant goals today.”

With a home encounter against Manchester United on December 30, Forest will have little time to savour their thrilling triumph on Tyneside.