Sandro Tonali’s first Premier League start since returning from his 10-month ban saw Newcastle hold reigning champions Manchester City to a hard-fought 1-1 draw at St James’ Park on Saturday.
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After playing as a starter in the EFL Cup against Nottingham Forrest in late August and then coming on as a substitute in his side’s last three league games, Tonali was eventually given a go from the off by Eddie Howe, in arguably the toughest of the occasions.
How did Tonali’s first Premier League start against Manchester City go
The Italy midfielder remained on the pitch for 78 minutes before being replaced by Sean Longstaff, with the scoreline already being 1-1.
Defender Josko Gvardiol opened the scoring for Guardiola’s side after 35 minutes, but the Citizens were pegged back in the second-half as Newcastle levelled through Anthony Gordon’s penalty.
Tonali’s performance was more of substance than quality, although he completed 13 of his 16 passes, with an accuracy rate of 81%.
However, tasked with battling it out in the middle of the park against the likes of Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan, Tonali lost possession 10 times, won just two of six ground duels and got a yellow card after 62 minutes, also failing to complete a single dribbling.
Nevertheless, the former Milan midfielder’s contribution was especially felt in the defensive phase, as he ended the game with one clearance, one blocked shot and two interceptions.
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