Newcastle United are through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals after a surprisingly comfortable 3-1 victory over Brentford on Wednesday night.
What was shaping up to be a potentially challenging and job-defining week for Eddie Howe ended up being navigated with little issue after smashing Leicester City on Saturday and advancing past Brentford.
The Bees defeated Newcastle United 4-2 less than a fortnight ago but Thomas Frank elected to rest several of his most important players at St. James’ Park, allowing a full-strength Magpies to take advantage.
It was clear Newcastle were up for the match and they quickly took the ascendency when Sandro Tonali fired in from the edge of the box.
It was the Italian’s first goal since August 2023 but he didn’t have to wait as long for the next one as he volleyed home a second just 34 minutes later.
Newcastle continued to control the game after the break and put the game to bed when Bruno Guimaraes pulled the ball back for Fabian Schar to tap in. Brentford did pull one back late on through Yoane Wissa but were never in the game.
It was a mostly drab affair but Newcastle will be delighted to have made the semi-finals near-completely stress-free.
Here’s how the players rated in an important victory.
Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Hall, Sandro Tonali and Dan Burn of Newcastle United celebrate during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match be...
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Martin Dubravka – 8
Like on Saturday, the deputising Martin Dubravka had little to do but when he was called into action he kept Brentford at bay as he came out quickly to snuff out a Wissa chance, blocked a tricky low cross and confidently punched clear a corner.
A calming presence at the back, alert to any danger and deserved a clean sheet.
Tino Livramento – 7
Up against a pacey customer in Keane Lewis-Potter and was booked after dragging the winger down as he was breaking away and fortunate not to trip him in the box after being danced past in the second half. Got exposed for Brentford’s goal, too, after moving to left-back.
However, he did win his fair share of battles and got forward well with nice passing and movement.
Fabian Shar – 8
Yet another quietly dependable performance from the crucial centre-back but he was rarely threatened. Got on the scoresheet after poking in from close range.
Dan Burn – 8
You have to wonder why Dan Burn was ever at left-back when he has been so consistently good in the middle. He was also, predictably, a real threat at set pieces with his blocking leaving space for Tonali to score the second.
Lewis Hall – 8
After suffering a few poor games and making a couple of costly mistakes, Lewis Hall looks to be finding his groove again. He didn’t create two goals like on Saturday but delivered a few good balls into box while preventing just as many from arriving in his own.
Sandro Tonali – 9
Since the speculation over his future was quashed, Tonali has really started to find his stride again and is looking like the player Newcastle first signed from AC Milan.
If his thunderous strike for the opener and expertly controlled volley for the second weren’t enough, Tonali dominated the midfield and his progressive passing constantly moved Newcastle up the field with purpose.
Bruno Guimaraes – 8.5
Playing a bit further forward than has been typical of late and all the better for it, Bruno Guimaraes put in his second fine display in a row. While Tonali moved the ball on, the skipper was looking to drive forwards himself with some incisive dribbles and nice link-up play with Livramento.
His clever and unselfish pass to set up the third goal was absolutely brilliant, as well.
Joelinton – 7
Bravely played on throughout the first half despite suffering a nasty cut on his face after being accidentally trodden on but it clearly impacted his performance. All action once again but he wasn’t quite as involved as normal.
Jacob Murphy – 7.5
Once again a lively threat down the right flank as he continues to justify his starting berth over Harvey Barnes. Though not afforded nearly as much space as Leicester gave him, the winger still found himself in dangerous positions and made his wing Newcastle’s most dangerous side.
Nearly got his third goal in two games but smacked the upright in the first half and blasted just wide in the second.
Alexander Isak – 6
A rather subdued performance compared to what Newcastle fans have grown used to enjoying in recent weeks. Alexander Isak was rarely able to get on the ball in deep positions to then slalom up the field or play in his teammates.
He did have a bit of nice link-up play around the box with Gordon but few scoring opportunities came his way.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Always looking to get on the ball but not as effective as he was on Saturday, some poor deliveries and not much success when taking on his full-back.
Was a bit more lively after the break with some wonderful flicks and touches and went close to scoring.
Substitutes
Joe Willock – 7
Came on at half-time and immediately put himself about and troubled Brentford with his runs from deep. The fact he didn’t disrupt a harmonious midfield when coming on is a big testament to his display.
Harvey Barnes – 6.5
Given another chance with more than 25 minutes and looked more lively than in recent weeks, hitting the post from distance and delivering a couple of enticing crosses.
Kieran Tripper – 5
Newcastle were noticeably weaker in defence after his introduction as he continues to feel his way back to full fitness.
William Osula – 5
Didn’t see much of the ball.
Miguel Almiron – 6
Worked hard.
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