Tonali fired past Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken from close to the right touchline to secure Newcastle a crucial three points in their battle for Champions League qualification.
Speaking after the game, the midfielder admitted his effort was “70 per cent cross and 30 per cent shot” and claimed he needed “some luck” for the ball to find the net.
But having watched Tonali practising similar strikes in training, Howe insists Newcastle’s record signing is capable of delivering pretty much anything, such is the level of his technical ability.
“I’ve seen him practising them in the last couple of weeks, from that type of angle,” said the Magpies boss. “Let me say one thing about Sandro, he can hit a ball like no one.
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“When he strikes it, I fear for out goalkeeper’s wrists sometimes because he hits it so hard. I wouldn’t put it past him meaning that, and it was a big moment in the game because we needed it at that moment. The game was pretty much in the balance, so it was a big moment in our season.”
Tonali missed the opening weeks of the season as he completed his gambling ban, but since returning to the first-team fold, the Italy international has become a crucial part of Newcastle’s first-choice midfield.
His switch to deeper-lying role has undoubtedly aided his performance, and helped with the balance of the Magpies’ central unit, with his composure and authority in possession complementing the all-action energy provided by Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton on either side of him.
“I think he’s done really well,” said Howe. “He trained very well in his ban. For that nine months, he was outstanding in his attitude. He really saw it as a chance to develop his game, and he spent a long time on the training pitch doing that.
“Without 11-versus-11 work or match action, that’s very difficult to do. And then, in fairness, I think we’ve seen a big uplift since he’s changed position. I think that was maybe a turning point in his career here. I think he looks a lot more comfortable in the position he’s playing now.
“I have to say, defensively, I think he’s been outstanding for us with his athleticism and his ability to read danger. That’s been of the highest level, and it goes without saying that technically he’s very good. He makes very good decision on the pitch consistently, and that’s what makes him the player that he is.”
Tonali’s efforts helped Newcastle make a winning return to league action after their Carabao Cup heroics, with the victory shutting down any suggestions of a hangover from the weekend trophy celebrations.
“I think there was a part of me that was wondering what would happen,” admitted Howe. “You’re never quite sure how the players will respond to the aftermath of the cup final. That was an unbelievable moment, but football moves on very quickly and we had to be back into it. In this league, you can’t take a breather for a second.
“I was really hoping the players would be professional, put Wembley behind them and move forward, and we did. We had to work hard. I think it was a massive win in our season.”