Chris Wood Returns to St. James’ Park: The Striker Who Never Stopped Fighting
This Sunday, Chris Wood will step onto the pitch at St. James’ Park once again, but this time, he will do so as Nottingham Forest’s most dangerous attacking weapon. The New Zealand international has undergone a remarkable transformation since leaving Newcastle United, and his goal-scoring exploits at Forest have put him back in the spotlight.
Wood’s resurgence has even raised questions about Newcastle’s decision to move him on, especially as his goal tally of 18 this season has surpassed that of Alexander Isak, the Swedish forward Newcastle brought in to replace him. While Isak is undoubtedly a world-class talent with technical brilliance, Wood’s superior shot-conversion rate this season has highlighted his efficiency in front of goal.
The Kiwi forward didn’t win New Zealand’s top sports award for 2024 despite his incredible form, which may come as a surprise given his dominance in the Premier League. However, that won’t matter much to Wood, who has just signed a new contract with Nottingham Forest, a reward for his stunning performances.
Ahead of the highly anticipated clash between Newcastle and Forest, Eddie Howe spoke glowingly of Wood’s time on Tyneside. Howe never doubted Wood’s value, even if the goals weren’t flowing for him at Newcastle. As Wood returns to face his former side, it’s worth taking a deep dive into his journey—from an underappreciated target man at Newcastle to a lethal striker at Forest.
Chris Wood at Newcastle United: A Striker Who Did the Dirty Work
Chris Wood’s Newcastle spell was never about flashy goals or technical brilliance. When Eddie Howe signed him from Burnley for £25 million in January 2022, many questioned the fee. But for Newcastle, struggling near the relegation zone, signing Wood was never just about goals—it was about survival.
At the time, Newcastle desperately needed a focal point in attack, someone who could absorb pressure, battle defenders, and help the team transition from defense to attack. Wood was the perfect man for the job.
Howe acknowledged this when reflecting on Wood’s Newcastle stint:
“I think he’s been outstanding. Chris, when he came to us, helped us in a really difficult situation fighting relegation. We felt we needed a focal point in that position, someone who could take a lot of pressure off us as a team and give us a physical presence. Woody did all of those things, and I thought he was absolutely outstanding for the team.”
Wood’s Newcastle tenure wasn’t about his goal tally—it was about his work rate, his pressing, and his ability to bring others into play. Even though he only scored five times in 39 appearances, his impact was crucial in keeping the Magpies up.
Howe further praised Wood’s willingness to sacrifice himself for the team:
“I’m delighted for him on a personal level because he’s a great character who gave everything for us. I can remember him doing so much for the team, filling in positions, sprinting back, and doing things that center-forwards don’t tend to do.”
That work rate was backed up by statistics:
Duels won per game: 7.85
Times dispossessed per match: Just 0.67
Aerial duels won: Nearly 50%
Tackle success rate: 55.6%—impressive for a forward
Wood may not have been a prolific scorer at Newcastle, but his physicality and work ethic played a major role in Newcastle’s resurgence under Howe. His selfless play helped them escape relegation, paving the way for the club’s subsequent rise up the table.
From Newcastle Struggles to Forest’s Main Man
While Newcastle evolved into a Champions League side with the arrival of Alexander Isak, Wood found himself surplus to requirements. But instead of fading into obscurity, he reignited his career at Nottingham Forest.
Since signing for Forest in January 2023, Wood has been nothing short of phenomenal. Unlike his time at Newcastle, where he played as a facilitator, Forest have built their attack around him.
Under Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest have played to Wood’s strengths—delivering early crosses, playing direct football, and giving him service in dangerous areas. The result? A goal-scoring explosion.
2024/25 Premier League season goals: 18 (more than Isak)
Shot conversion rate: Higher than Isak
Minutes per goal: More efficient than Isak
Wood has not only become Forest’s top scorer in the Premier League since his arrival, but he has also established himself as one of the most clinical strikers in the league. His performances have left some Newcastle fans wondering if their club might have been too quick to let him go.
Wood vs. Isak: Did Newcastle Make the Right Call?
The comparisons between Chris Wood and Alexander Isak were inevitable from the moment Newcastle made the switch. On paper, Isak is the more dynamic and technically gifted forward. However, Wood’s efficiency this season suggests that Newcastle might have underestimated him.
2024/25 Season Stats Comparison:
While Isak offers more pace, dribbling, and flair, Wood has proven to be a clinical finisher with an ability to maximize every chance he gets.
Newcastle likely won’t regret signing Isak, given his elite talent, but Wood’s numbers suggest that he still had something to offer at St. James’ Park.
Sunday’s Game: A Chance for Wood to Prove a Point
Sunday’s match at St. James’ Park is more than just another game for Chris Wood. It’s a chance to show Newcastle what they lost when they let him go.
Wood will be Forest’s primary goal threat, and if Newcastle’s defense isn’t at its best, he could easily come back to haunt them. Given his aerial ability and movement, he will be a nightmare for Newcastle’s center-backs, who will need to be on high alert.
On the other side, Newcastle will look to solidify their push for European football. With Isak, Anthony Gordon, and Bruno Guimarães, the Magpies have a strong attacking unit capable of breaking down any defense.
Key Battles to Watch:
Wood vs. Newcastle’s defense – Can he exploit any weaknesses?
Isak vs. Forest’s backline – Will he prove why Newcastle chose him over Wood?
Midfield control – Who dictates the tempo, Guimarães or Forest’s midfielders?
A Story of Mutual Respect
Regardless of Sunday’s result, one thing is certain: Chris Wood will always be respected by Newcastle United. His time at the club may not have been filled with goals, but it was filled with commitment, effort, and unselfish play.
Eddie Howe’s praise for Wood is a testament to the striker’s character. He may not have been the perfect fit for Newcastle’s long-term plans, but he played a vital role when they needed him most.
Now thriving at Nottingham Forest, Wood has reminded everyone of his quality. He’s a striker reborn, proving that sometimes all a player needs is the right system and the right opportunity.
As he steps onto the St. James’ Park pitch once more, Newcastle fans might just wonder—what if?