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Anderson's 88th minute strike meant the Magpies once again failed to make inroads on the race for European qualification, snatching a draw and taking their tally of dropped points from winning positions to 27. Harvey Barnes had put the visitors ahead with a quarter of an hour remaining at the City Ground.
Instead of pushing for another Champions League campaign, Newcastle are languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Eddie Howe: 'I regret Elliot Anderson sale'
Anderson left Newcastle because they needed to sell quickly in order to adhere to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and avoid a potential points penalty.
His time at Forest has seen him change position and become arguably England’s most reliable holding midfielder ahead of this summer’s World Cup. But everybody at Newcastle, not least Eddie Howe, was fully aware of his potential and it was painful to see a homegrown talent, and boyhood fan of the club, depart.
“His was a sale we regretted when we were doing it. We knew the player’s quality,” Newcastle boss Howe said after the game.
“It was a very painful transfer, one we had to do. We had no choice.
“It was the most reluctant transfer I’ll probably ever do. He was really effective in a number of positions.
“It really hurts to see him do that against us today. He’s a great lad, he’ll have a fantastic career wherever he goes.”
The feeling around Newcastle is, despite growing frustration and scrutiny over his position, Howe will remain in place to oversee big changes at St James’ Park this summer.
His team selection raised eyebrows before kick-off for the third week running, with Lewis Hall switching flanks to right-back. Howe praised the 21-year-old’s performance, but it was his explanation for neglecting to pick Kieran Trippier which caught attention most.
Trippier, 35, is leaving Newcastle at the end of the season, and Howe said that impacted his decision.
"I think Lewis is an outstanding technical player, so playing off a different side, I don't think it's hugely difficult for him.
"Obviously, Kieran’s future has been revealed, so I'm focusing on the players that I know are going to be here next year.
Curiously, Anthony Gordon remained on the bench throughout, even when the game was in the balance at 0-0, arguably crying out for a player with his drive, creativity and goal threat.
Gordon’s future has been under the microscope for some weeks now amid links to Bayern Munich and Barcelona. With Howe having gone on record to say he will not pick players he doesn’t feel are committed to Newcastle’s future, the fact he was not called upon felt pointed and deliberate.
"He’s returned from an injury,” Howe replied when directly asked about Gordon’s involvement.
"I’m looking at the team and the team is playing well and I didn’t want to make too many changes."
Howe has always been an extremely skilled communicator. His quotes are seldom left up to interpretation without being designed that way. Last week, he said he would pick players he felt he could trust, this week he is looking to the future. Groundwork is being laid for a busy off-season; a number of players are effectively on trial.
One who should arguably have a greater role in the side over the coming years is Jacob Ramsey. Having struggled initially following his arrival from Aston Villa last summer, he is slowly understanding what is expected of him. Confidence is beginning to flow; his pass for Barnes’ opener was sublime, and he was constantly looking to push forward with the ball at his feet.
Ultimately, this was another disappointing result, the latest in a long line for Newcastle.
Anderson’s involvement added an extra bitter taste. But Howe is outlining a tough stance on what is to come on Tyneside, despite some supporters remaining sceptical over his suitability for the big rebuild.
