In a pulsating Carabao Cup quarterfinal clash at a raucous St James’ Park, Newcastle United produced a performance of real quality and intent to dispatch Brentford 3-1 and book their place in the semifinals. Italian midfield maestro Sandro Tonali was the star of the show, scoring two sublime goals on either side of halftime to set the Magpies on their way to a first semifinal appearance in this competition since 1976.
Tonali Takes Center Stage
From the very first whistle, Sandro Tonali oozed class in the heart of Newcastle’s midfield. The 23-year-old Italian international, signed from AC Milan in the summer, ran the show with his silky touches, pinpoint passing, and tireless running. But it was his ability to find the back of the net that really caught the eye on this occasion.
Goal Number One – A Thing of Beauty
Tonali opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a goal of real quality. When Nathan Collins could only half clear a dangerous Tino Livramento cross, the ball fell invitingly to Tonali on the edge of the area. Without hesitation, the Italian wrapped his right foot around the ball, sending a sumptuous curling effort beyond the despairing dive of Brentford keeper Mark Flekken and into the top corner. St James’ Park erupted in a cacophony of noise as Tonali wheeled away in celebration.
We’ve got our attacking rhythm back and we’re starting to see the best of Sandro. We’ve got a good balance and look creative again.
– Eddie Howe, Newcastle Manager
An Ingenious Set Piece Routine
Not content with one spectacular goal, Tonali doubled Newcastle’s advantage on the stroke of halftime with a clever finish from a well-worked corner routine. As Anthony Gordon swung in a teasing delivery, Joelinton made a decoy run to drag two Brentford defenders out of position, allowing Tonali to ghost in at the back post unnoticed. Cushioning a delightful volley into the turf and past the wrong-footed Flekken, Tonali sent the Toon Army into dreamland.
Schär Makes it Three
With Brentford reeling, Newcastle extended their lead even further ten minutes after the restart. Another dangerous delivery caused chaos in the Bees’ penalty area, with Fabian Schär reacting quickest to bundle home from close range after Tonali and Lewis Hall had efforts blocked. At 3-0, the game was as good as over.
A Rare Brentford Goal
To their credit, Brentford never threw in the towel and grabbed a late consolation through Yoane Wissa. But it was too little, too late for Thomas Frank’s side, who have now lost all eight of their away games this season in all competitions. In truth, they never looked like laying a glove on a supremely well-drilled Newcastle outfit.
Newcastle were the better team. We gave three soft goals away, that’s the most disappointing thing.
– Thomas Frank, Brentford Manager
One Step Closer to Glory
For Newcastle, this result is another significant step on their journey under Eddie Howe. The Magpies have not tasted domestic cup success since way back in 1955, an absence of silverware that has hung over the club like a dark cloud. But with performances like this one, Howe’s men are starting to believe that this could finally be their year.
- Newcastle into their first League Cup semifinal since 1976
- Sandro Tonali scores two stunning goals to lead Magpies to victory
- Brentford’s dismal away record continues – 8 defeats out of 8 on the road
Standing in their way will be one of Arsenal, Leicester City, or Manchester United. But on this evidence, Newcastle will fear nobody. With the inspirational Tonali pulling the strings and the Toon Army roaring them on, Howe and his players are starting to dream of a date with destiny under the famous Wembley arch.
