Chris Wood came back to haunt Newcastle and hand Nuno Espirito Santo his first win as Nottingham Forest manager.

Wood, who joined Newcastle in January 2022 and was sold to Forest 18 months later, struck a hat-trick in his team’s 3-1 win in the Premier League at St James’ Park on Wednesday morning.

“I’m just happy to stick them away,” the All Whites striker said. “That’s what I’m here to do and I’m just happy I could.”

Wood was one of Newcastle’s first signings after the club was bought by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund in 2021. He moved from Burnley for around $50 million, but was loaned to Forest 12 months later after scoring five goals in 39 appearances.

He completed a permanent move to Forest in June this year in a deal worth $30 million.

Newcastle has now lost five of their last seven games in all competitions and has only had one win in the league during that run.

“It was a difficult afternoon,” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said.

It was Nuno’s second game in charge at Forest after replacing former manager Steve Cooper before Christmas.

“I think the boys played very well,” Nuno said. “It’s amazing so let’s enjoy it.”

Newcastle took the lead through Alexander Isak’s first-half penalty, but Wood evened the score just before halftime. He went on to score two goals and complete his hat trick after the break.