· December 19 2024, 11:30
Sandro Tonali was the hero last night as Newcastle United battered Brentford to book their place in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
A brace from the Italian was capped off by a tap-in on the line by Fabian Schar before Yoane Wissa tried to spoil the party in second-half stoppage time.
Both of Tonali's goals were absolutely outstanding and the desire to see him bag a hat-trick was evident by the crowd urging him to shoot every time he touched the ball in the second half.
The hat-trick wasn't meant to be, but perhaps just as good as that was seeing how well he and Bruno Guimaraes are starting to play together.
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Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes working together can transform Newcastle's season
This has long been the question surrounding the Newcastle United midfield - can Bruno and Tonali work together on the pitch? For a long time it seemed like it had to be one or the other, but recently Eddie Howe has stumbled upon the formula that actually works. It's the one that most fans have been shouting about for ages - playing Tonali deeper and letting Bruno go forward.
There was a moment that led to Jacob Murphy rattling the upright which saw Bruno and Tonali play a couple of one-touch passes between themselves that looked so effortless, like they were just having a kick-about in the park.
The pair are definitely finding their rhythm now and it could be absolutely massive for Newcastle's season, as when those two click, they both have the ability to dictate the play in games and that can only lead to positive things for Newcastle.
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Eddie Howe has acknowledged that he feels he's found the right spot for Tonali in Newcastle's midfield
Eddie Howe was heavy with his praise for Tonali after the game as quoted in The Mirror.
“You see the teams left in and it will be a tough game in the semi final. We will do our best to get through to a second final. It would be incredible. Sandro’s is an unbelievable strike and the second one is difficult to do. We are delighted to get through.
“He has looked more comfortable deeper, and has less responsibility to score. But he can score from distance and hits the ball cleaner than anyone. It is brilliant to see Sandro, a big signing, doing well. You want them to settle quickly. Nights like this build the connection with the supporters.”