Newcastle Manager Eddie Howe Delighted with Sandro Tonali’s Winning Goal, Despite Element of Fortune

Newcastle United’s manager Eddie Howe hailed Sandro Tonali’s stunning winner in Wednesday’s 2-1 triumph over Brentford as a “significant moment” in their campaign to secure a place in the Champions League.

Tonali’s powerful strike in the 74th minute propelled Newcastle into fifth position in the Premier League, effortlessly beating Brentford’s goalkeeper Mark Flekken from an acute angle.

Brentford’s head coach, Thomas Frank, suggested the goal was a fortunate one, labelling Tonali’s effort a “one in a million cross.”

Even Tonali himself acknowledged that luck played a part in his success.

“It was certainly a decent shot, but I’ll be honest, it was 70 per cent a cross. It was perfect in terms of speed. I was a bit lucky because the keeper wasn’t on his line,” he remarked.

However, Howe firmly believed that Tonali deserved full recognition for his eye-catching effort, particularly as it reinvigorated Newcastle’s quest to return to the elite of European football.

“Let me emphasise one thing about Sandro: he has a unique ability to strike the ball. I sometimes worry for our goalkeepers’ wrists because he hits it that hard, so I wouldn’t dismiss the idea he intended that,” Howe expressed.

“This was a crucial moment in the match because we needed it. At that stage, the game was hanging in the balance, so it’s a significant moment for our season.”

Fresh from their League Cup victory—their first major trophy in 56 years—Newcastle are sitting one point ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea, who are due to face Tottenham on Thursday.

The Magpies trail fourth-placed Manchester City by a single point, although they have a game in hand.

The top four teams automatically qualify for the Champions League, with fifth place also likely to gain entry depending on the outcomes of the remaining European competitions involving English clubs.

Howe, pleased with Newcastle’s performance in their first outing since their historic day at Wembley, added: “I was really hoping the players would be professional, putting Wembley behind them, and focus on their work—and we did. It required effort.”

“I believe this was a massive win for our season. Credit goes to everyone because that wasn’t an easy match.”