Sandro Tonali grabbed his first two goals of the season for Newcastle United as they secured a 3-1 FA Cup fourth round win at Aston Villa.
Guimaraes has been ruled out for around two months with a hamstring injury. It’s an injury that risks derailing Newcastle’s season, given that they haven’t won a Premier League game without the Brazilian since he made his debut for the club.
But Tonali stood up to keep things on track for The Magpies with his second-half brace securing a comeback win at Villa Park before Nick Woltemade added a late third.
Sandro Tonali steps up for NUFC
It was Tonali’s first two goals of the season and came after a period of speculation and criticism surrounding the midfielder.
The Italian established himself as one of Newcastle’s key players last season following an impressive run of consistent displays in midfield. But that consistency has escaped Tonali somewhat this season as his performances have been called into question.
Deadline day transfer links to Arsenal and his agent Giuseppe Riso making transfer claims only served in fuelling speculation around Tonali’s future at Newcastle.
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But the 25-year-old responded in the best possible way with an excellent brace to help The Magpies progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
“I think the only way Sandro can answer any question on his performance is on the pitch and today he responded really well,” Howe said.
“We needed players to step up in Bruno's absence, we needed the creativity gap that Bruno will leave field, we needed the passion that Bruno shows on the pitch field and I thought all three midfielders did that.
“Sandro's got two goals, Nick's got a goal, so our midfielders contributed massively and I'm really pleased with everybody and we're going to need that in his absence throughout the time that he's out.”
Tonali made his way over to Howe after his goals as the pair embraced on the touchline at Villa Park.
“We've got a great relationship,” Howe added. “I think there's a healthy respect between us. I'm very grateful for how Sandro's committed to everything that I've asked him to do.
“I think he's grateful for the fact that we've backed him in every sense and continue to want to see him flourish and play his very best football game”.
Sandro Tonali eyeing more cup success at Newcastle United
Reflecting on his two goals, Tonali told Match of the Day: “I think I start every season scoring a bit late through February and March but I am happy because we work a lot every week to win every game and this win is for these fans because they are amazing and deserve it."
After helping Newcastle win the Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium last season, Tonali is hungry for more.
“Of course,” he said. “Every player plays to go to Wembley but this time for FA Cup. We play every game to win so, we hope so.”
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