Two goals from Sando Tonali helped Newcastle to a 3-1 win over Brentford in their Carabao Cup quarter-final at St James’ Park.
The Magpies midfielder produced two fine finishes in the first half to put his team in total charge. When Fabian Schar tapped in from close range midway through the second, there was no way back for the Bees, despite Yoane Wissa’s consolation goal in stoppage-time.
Eddie Howe signalled his intent by naming an unchanged starting line-up from the one that hammered Leicester 4-0 in the Premier League on Saturday and that was reflected in a dominant display against a Brentford side that struggled to create until late on.
Tonali stars in Newcastle win
Tonali’s first goal, drilled in from just outside the penalty box, was the Italian’s first for the club since scoring six minutes into his debut in August of last year. He did not have so long to wait for his next, a cushioned volley from a corner beating Mark Flekken.
Thomas Frank’s players could point to a possible foul off the ball but could have few real complaints on a night in which little went right from the moment Sepp van den Berg was injured in the warm-up. Ethan Pinnock also came off early with a hamstring issue.
“I have been quite vocal about the fact that I don’t think we had the optimal schedule,” Frank had said beforehand, referring to Brentford’s game against Chelsea late on Sunday. But for Newcastle there was a sense that this was a slightly bigger priority.
Without a major domestic trophy in almost 70 years, Howe would love to end that wait. Into the last four, they have an opportunity now. And Newcastle’s improved form will offer encouragement that they are capable of booking their place at Wembley.
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Watch Sandro Tonali’s two beautiful goals for Newcastle against Brentford
Frank: We lost to a better team
Brentford boss Thomas Frank speaking to Sky Sports:
“We lost on the day to a better team. Not too much to say apart from that. If you look at our own performance, we can’t concede the three goals we conceded.
“That’s the bit I’m very disappointed with and we need to sort that out. In a difficult quarter-final we cannot concede three soft goals.
“But fair play to Newcastle, they were well-worked corner routines. But if you want to progress to the semi-final we need to do better.”
Howe delighted with Newcastle midfield
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe speaking after the game:
“I’m really pleased with the players. It was a difficult game but we scored some great goals tonight that we’re really pleased with the quality of. And we’re pleased for Sandro with his two great strikes.
“He’s been truly back for a while, however you qualify that. His performances in the middle of the park have been very good for us, and he continues to get better the more he plays and improves the relationship with the players around him.
“He looks a lot more comfortable when he’s deeper on the pitch. I’m delighted with how our midfield looks at the moment. We’ve got some outstanding players there and the balance looks good.”
Terrific Tonali turns it up for Toon
Analysis by Sky Sports’ Simeon Gholam:
If Tonali is unhappy at Newcastle, he certainly does not look it.
The Italy midfielder seems to be finally living up to the expectation and the price tag at St James’ Park, with his brilliance proving the difference in taking the Magpies that step closer.
The first goal was exceptional, the cleanest of hits that showed the technique he has at his disposal. His reaction and celebration showing the bond he has forged with the Toon support – who supported him emphatically through his ban last season.
The second, product of a well-worked routine from a corner, showed his intelligence and spatial awareness. Away from the goals, he and Bruno Guimaraes dominated in the middle of the park. It feels as though a special partnership is forming between the two.
If not his finest display all-around in a Newcastle shirt, this was certainly his most impactful. His quality steered the game in their direction. If he could become the man who steers the club to that long-awaited trophy, he will never be forgotten in the city.
