Sandro Tonali will hog the headlines after scoring twice in Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup victory.
The Magpies have booked their spot in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup after beating Brentford 3-1 at St James’ Park.
Sandro Tonali opened the scoring with a fierce half-volley from the edge of the box before he doubled his tally from a well-worked corner routine.
Fabian Schar added to Newcastle’s lead with a simple finish following a superb bit of skill from captain Bruno Guimaraes. Brentford replied with a goal in injury time but the visitors left it too late to attempt a comeback.
Newcastle will learn their Carabao Cup semi-final opponents on Thursday evening with the draw set to take place around 10:30pm after Tottenham face Manchester United.
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrate scoring the first goal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Newcastle United and Brentfor...
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Sandro Tonali stars for Newcastle in new role
After the dominant 4-0 win over Leicester, Eddie Howe named an unchanged lineup against Brentford as predicted.
Tonali has thrived in a deeper role for Newcastle recently and he kept his spot in midfield for Wednesday’s cup clash.
Howe has struggled to find a well-balanced midfield at Newcastle this season but the decision to drop Tonali into the No.6 role has been a stroke of genius.
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The Italian can dictate play from deep but also burst forward and join the attack when necessary – as he did against Brentford.
Tonali will deservedly get all the plaudits after scoring twice against Brentford, but one teammate also deserves to be showered in praise.
Lewis Hall was an unsung hero for Newcastle vs Brentford
Lewis Hall had to be patient following his move to Newcastle, but that patience is certainly paying off.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, becoming a key player for Howe and earning a well-deserved call-up to the England team.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe says Newcastle United have a young player with ‘outstanding’ technical ability
Minutes played 77
Touches 70
Passes completed 85% (34/40)
Key passes 4
Duels won 63% (5/8)
Tackles completed 3
Dribbled past 0
Lewis Hall match stats in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win over Brentford.
Hall is achieving superstar status at Newcastle and his consistency has been frightening. A glance at his stats vs Brentford shows he was once again flawless.
Hall was replaced by his ‘role model’ Kieran Trippier in the 77th minute.
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