The Game Winning Tonali
Newcastle is “beginning to see the best” of the game winning Tonali
After defeating Brentford 3-1 at St. James’ Park to secure their spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. Manager Eddie Howe claims Newcastle is finally “beginning to see the best” of Sandro Tonali.
The Italy international gave the Magpies a lesson in midfield play, scoring the first two goals against the Bees.
Tino Livramento’s cross was only partially cleared. And the former AC Milan midfielder added to his total with a cushioned side-foot volley from. Anthony Gordon’s corner from the right. His first goal was an exquisite 20-yard drive.
After waking up to media stories that linked him to a move to Juventus, Tonali, 24. Who returned this season after serving a 10-month sentence for breaking betting regulations. Made a heartfelt gesture to the home crowd as he celebrated his first goal.
Howe stated, “You want your big acquisitions to do well and settle quickly, and he is a major signing.”
“He is been here for a long time, but he has not played much football. I am just incredibly happy for him personally the game winning Tonali. And nights like tonight will strengthen the bonds with him and the supporters.
“Watching Sandro score the two goals he did was fantastic. He is beginning to show his best side.
Howe added: “The change in position has obviously helped him. He is a lot more comfortable when he is deeper on the pitch.” Tonali, who cost £55 million to join Newcastle in the summer of 2023. Played the role of orchestrator for a large portion of Wednesday’s encounter.
“He is exhibiting every trait we were aware of when we signed him. Finding the ideal balance for him and the team is all that has to be done.
Fabian Schar’s tap-in from captain Bruno Guimaraes gave the home team their third goal, capping off a well-earned victory.
Brentford had a terrible evening. Managing only two efforts on goal before Yoane Wissa poked in a late consolation in extra time.
Before that, Newcastle had already struck the woodwork twice as substitute Harvey Barnes. Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, and Gordon all missed opportunities to punish their unimpressive opponents even more.
The loss of Sepp van den Berg during the warm-up and the limping departure of their captain and fellow center-back Ethan Pinnock after 15 minutes did not help Thomas Frank’s team.
The Dane will probably still be unhappy with how they lost, though, since his team hardly put up a fight as their terrible travel record persisted.
Following the conclusion of Tottenham’s quarterfinal match against Manchester United at 20:00 GMT on Thursday, the semi-final draw will take place.
As Howe increases hopes of ending the trophy drought, Frank shuffles the pack.
Less than two weeks ago, Brentford won the Premier League match against Newcastle at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The Bees have now dropped eight of their nine games against top-tier opponents this season away from their London home.
They will play their third game in seven days on Saturday when they visit high-flying Nottingham Forest. Frank made five changes to the team that began their narrow loss at Chelsea on Sunday.
And it showed; his team lacked consistency and fluency throughout, and shortly after the hour, Wissa’s goal’s creator, Bryan Mbeumo, came in from the bench.
Expectations on Tyneside, on the other hand, are only going to rise following this performance, as Magpies fans dare to hope that their lengthy trophy drought may come to an end.
The Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969 was their lone significant trophy during that time, and it will be seven decades by the time of the EFL Cup final in March since they last won domestic hardware in the FA Cup in 1955.
However, Howe’s manager has been instrumental in turning the team from relegation contenders to 2022–2023 Champions League qualifiers.
The Englishman is now the first Newcastle manager to advance to two semi-finals since Sir Bobby Robson and the first to do it in two domestic tournaments since Stan Seymour in the 1950s.