Matt Ritchie’s deflected free kick gave Rafa Benitez’s side an early lead in front of the biggest crowd at St. James’ Park this season, but Forest levelled before the break when Nicolao Dumitru-Cardosa found the target.
The game remained in the balance until the dismissal of the visitors’ skipper Matt Mills on the hour, and just three minutes later, United made their numerical advantage count when Dwight Gayle hooked home.
With ten minutes remaining, Gayle’s second sealed the win, and afterwards Hayden told nufc.co.uk it was vital that the Magpies kept going through the blip that followed Forest’s equaliser.
“We've played a lot of games in a short period of time, we've had a period of time before when we've had three games in a week and it’s obviously tough for the lads,” said the 21-year-old.
“There’s going to be a few mistakes out there – I hold my hands up myself, I made a few out there – and we’re not all playing at 110 per cent peak fitness. We’re going to make mistakes, and obviously it’s about us having the character on the ball and having the character in ourselves to keep going, and we did that today. We showed good spirit, and we carried on going.
“I thought we started really well with a good intensity in the first half, and we created a few chances and we go in behind them quite well.
“When they scored, we went a little bit flat for a period of time, and then we picked it up again in the second half and came out with a good mentality and we took the chances. It was a bit of a grind in the end, but we got the three points, which was the main thing.
“I think when we went forward and we showed our attacking intent, the fans were brilliant and we gave them the three points they deserved.”
Forest centre back Mills was dismissed following two yellow cards in quick succession, as the hosts began to crank up the pressure on Philippe Montanier’s men.
But Hayden reckons that even without the numerical advantage, his side would have prevailed eventually.
“It came at a good time – I think we were starting to get on top in that period, but I think that even it was 11 v 11 it wouldn't have made too much difference. I think we were still the only team that was going to win it,” he said.
“Their goal was sloppy on our part and we’re not really happy with it but it happens – people make mistakes and we’re only human. We can’t be perfect all the time, but it happens, and we got the three points in the end.”
The win took the Magpies back to the top of the Sky Bet Championship table, where they will remain ahead of Monday’s game at Blackburn Rovers.
Former Arsenal youngster Hayden admitted that while he and his teammates aren't taking too much notice of the league table just yet, going into the game at Ewood Park on the back of a win is ideal, especially after the Boxing Day setback at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday.
“We’re not really looking at the league, we’re just cracking on now as we should do and trying to get as many wins as we can,” said the England Under-21 international. “Monday was a big disappointment not just for ourselves in the dressing room, but for the staff and the fans – it was a massive disappointment to lose that game.
“I think that even in periods tonight it was a bit difficult, but we stuck together, showed good character on the ball and good intensity. We pressed them really well today, and we created a lot of chances for ourselves.
“Maybe if we’re being a bit critical, we maybe should have taken the game to four or five, but in the end it’s a 3-1 win and we got the three points we wanted.”
