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Forest's manager headed for the tunnel scratching his head, his eyes downcast. After seven games as manager with zero wins, his prospects appeared as uncertain as thick mist over the river.

Although Newcastle were not at their ferocious level, late strikes from the Brazilian midfielder and Nick Woltemade—the latter from the penalty spot—eventually earned them a much-needed second Premier League victory this campaign.

From the start, the manager's insulated anorak wrapped him similar to a blanket, but the Australian's agitated gestures suggested it provided no solace.

No jacket could protect him from the fear that his winless beginning at Forest—taking over as the first manager in 100 years to go winless in his first half-dozen games—would extend ahead of a possible dismissal during the international break.

And yet, his team performed reasonably well during a tight at the back first half.

Although Elliot Anderson at times upstaged even the Italian star in midfield, reminding everyone why the Newcastle boss was so hesitant to sell the academy product, the defender contained the striker out of the game, and the winger gave the full-back difficulties on the flank.

In fairness to the forward, who received minimal supply to his feet or head, his team's creative department lacked fluidity.

True, it took a superb stop from Matt Sels—a former Newcastle shot-stopper—to deny Joelinton effort, and the midfielder failed to convert a few opportunities, but overall, the visitors' defense was significantly better.

Considering it is only a month since Postecoglou replaced Nuno Espírito Santo and games have come in quick succession, with precious little time to put into practice his theories on the training ground, all the talk of an impending sack seemed somewhat premature.

That was until the midfielder curled a right-foot shot over the keeper and into the top corner from the edge of the box.

It left Postecoglou shaking his head in clear despair, wearing the anguished expression of a man who had misplaced his house keys.

His players protested about a possible foul on Morgan Gibbs-White by the scorer in the lead-up, but their protests were ignored by the officials.

As Tonali now dominant in midfield, the youngster was not the sole away player being put in his place.

By now, Postecoglou had thrown off his anorak and rolled up the arms of his jumper. As Forest seldom appearing capable of scoring and Newcastle looking to break down their earlier improved defensive organisation, he was obviously under pressure.

It took a further fine stop from the goalkeeper to deny Tonali's volleyed cross-shot, before the resultant corner led to the striker's shot hitting the bottom of the bar.

The keeper then made an excellent two quick stops from Malick Thiaw and the winger before finally being beaten from the penalty spot by the German.

The penalty was given when the midfielder's mistimed challenge brought the Brazilian crashing down.

Up stepped, the German striker to beat the goalie by lifting a rather bold penalty into the top left corner.

That marked his fourth goal for Newcastle since his seventy-million-pound transfer from the German side in August, making a mockery of claims from senior figures at Bayern Munich that Newcastle were “foolish” to spend so much for the centre-forward.

It wasn't his best game in black and white, but his ability to retain possession and use his sticky control to link play is already making him a cult hero on in Newcastle.