Newcastle face Forest on the back of their Champions League win against Union Saint Gilloise.
Howe began this morning: "It was a big step forward. Very pleased mainly with the response. The Arsenal game was a difficult ending and we said we wanted the game to come round as quickly as it did."
Nick Woltemade was again on the scoresheet against USG and Howe continued: "He is handling it really well. He is a great guy, very positive. He seems very relaxed here and seems at home already which is crucial to his success on the pitch. He is taking direction to adapt his game and he has been very receptive to it.
"Physically the first game at Wolves was tough for him but slowly but surely when you get used to those demands you can get through games pretty quickly.
"The psychology factor that comes with the position, not everybody can take that here. When I spoke to him I immediately thought he could. That was just a gut feel. Ultimately, it comes down to an inner drive and an inner self-belief."
Early season form
Howe was asked if his team is now "clicking" and admits they're now getting closer to what he had planned in preseason.
He said, "We've got a few clicks to go but I will always be saying that regardless of how well we are playing. We are finding our rhythm, we are a new team and any change takes time to absorb but I am confident we can continue to get better."
On facing Forest, Howe continued: "They have a very strong group of players but there is a slight change in style. They are more possession based, quite free in their movements and a lot of rotations in their attacking areas.
"I think they are very strong and a good balance to their squad. Ange is an outstanding manager with a very good track record. We know this is a crucial match for our Premier League season."
Postecoglou doubts
Indeed, on Postecoglou, Howe also said: "I think we all know the fragility of the job. No amount of success previously can take you out of that firing line. We are all subjected to the same forced and dictated to by results. In any moment, good or bad, you have to be yourself and that is what Ange is."
The match will see Anthony Elanga face his former club after leaving Forest over the summer. Howe says he's been pleased with how the Sweden winger has settled at St James' Park.
He continued: "Whenever he has played this season he has had a number of big contributions. In all the games he has had a number of moments which could have dictated the game. He is a very good crosser and playing with good confidence and rhythm. The relationship side with his team-mates is very important and that will get better with each game."
Arriving in the opposite direction with Forest is former Toon midfielder Elliot Anderson. While frustrated to have lost Anderson last year, Howe says he's happy for the Toon academy graduate over his recent England breakthrough.
He said, "Delighted for him. Every time I watch him play there is mixed feelings. Knowing what a great lad he is and how dedicated he is to his profession and when you watch him play there is a regret that's not for us. He's very brave, wants the ball in every situation and I hope his career continues to go from strength to strength."
Tonali and Woltemade
Before ending this morning's preview, Howe revisited the early impact of Woltemade and also the progress of Sandro Tonali, who again was outstanding against USG in midweek.
On Italy midfielder Tonali, Howe said: "His physical attributes stand out and he possesses a couple of gear changes we relied on on Wednesday. Then you add his technical ability and his tactical understanding and he really is a very good player."
Meanwhile, the manager also said of centre-forward Woltemade: "He does things on the pitch you don't necessarily see coming. The players are beginning to understand his game on the pitch despite limited training time.
"It is on the pitch that is happening and the lads really trust him with the ball and retain it in the best way possible. His link play the other day and bringing wingers into the game was very good."