Newcastle United fans have singled out Sandro Tonali as the key player Eddie Howe must shape his team around after the Magpies’ emphatic 3-1 victory over Brentford. The Italian midfielder delivered a stellar performance, scoring a brace and cementing his status as one of the club’s most influential players. While Tonali stole the spotlight, Fabian Schär’s late goal, assisted by Bruno Guimarães, added the finishing touch to a dominant team display at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle Shine in a Commanding Display
The game began with Brentford showing their characteristic resilience, keeping Newcastle at bay for much of the first half. However, Newcastle’s persistence paid off when Sandro Tonali broke the deadlock. The Italian capitalized on a rebound after Brentford’s goalkeeper Mark Flekken failed to hold onto a long-range effort from the Magpies. Reacting quicker than anyone else, Tonali calmly slotted the ball into the net, igniting the home crowd.
Brentford managed to equalize before halftime through Bryan Mbeumo, who finished off a slick team move. However, Newcastle came out after the break with renewed intensity and quickly took control of the game. Anthony Gordon, who was a constant threat down the left wing, delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Tonali timed his run perfectly to score his second goal of the night. The Italian’s composed finish restored Newcastle’s lead and further highlighted his ability to influence games in the attacking third.
As Brentford searched for an equalizer late in the match, Newcastle delivered the decisive blow. Bruno Guimarães, pulling the strings in midfield, spotted Fabian Schär in an advanced position and delivered a precise pass. Schär controlled the ball expertly before unleashing a clinical finish into the bottom corner, sealing a 3-1 victory for Newcastle and sending the fans into raptures.
Sandro Tonali: The Star Performer
While Schär’s late goal provided the icing on the cake, the night truly belonged to Sandro Tonali. The Italian, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan in a high-profile £55 million transfer this summer, has faced criticism for a slow start to his Premier League career. However, his performance against Brentford proved why Newcastle invested so heavily in him.
Tonali’s brace not only demonstrated his ability to contribute in attack but also his tactical intelligence and composure in high-pressure situations. His understanding with teammates like Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimarães was on full display, giving Newcastle fans a glimpse of the potential in their midfield.
Fans Call for Howe to Build Around Tonali
After the match, Newcastle supporters flooded social media with praise for Tonali and calls for Eddie Howe to build the team around him. One fan tweeted, “This is the Tonali we’ve been waiting for! He’s the engine of this team. Build around him, and the sky’s the limit for Newcastle.”
Another fan added, “Sandro Tonali is a game-changer. Two goals tonight, and he ran the midfield. Eddie Howe has to make him the focal point of this squad.”
A third supporter summed up the general sentiment: “If we give Tonali the right platform, he’s going to be the heart of this team for years to come. What a player!”
Bruno Guimarães and Schär Add to the Show
While Tonali grabbed the headlines, Bruno Guimarães and Fabian Schär also played crucial roles in the victory. Bruno’s assist for Schär’s goal was a moment of brilliance, as the Brazilian midfielder’s vision and awareness allowed him to thread a perfectly weighted pass into the Swiss defender’s path. Schär, known for his composure and technical ability, made no mistake with the finish, capping off a perfect evening for Newcastle.
A Bright Future for Newcastle
The victory over Brentford solidifies Newcastle’s position in the Premier League’s top four and serves as a statement of intent for the season ahead. With Tonali finding his rhythm and key players like Bruno and Gordon stepping up, the Magpies are looking more dangerous than ever.
Eddie Howe now faces the exciting challenge of building a system that maximizes the potential of his star players. Sandro Tonali’s performance has shown that he is more than capable of being the centerpiece of Newcastle’s project, while the likes of Bruno Guimarães and Anthony Gordon provide the perfect support to drive the team forward.
Looking Ahead
Newcastle’s upcoming fixtures include a crucial Champions League match and challenging Premier League ties. If Tonali can maintain this level of performance, Newcastle will be well-positioned to compete on all fronts.
For now, Newcastle fans can celebrate a night of football that showcased the best of their team—and a player in Sandro Tonali who could lead the Magpies to even greater heights.
