Sandro Tonali Scores Stunning Goal to Lead Newcastle to Victory Against Brentford

Sandro Tonali’s winner in the 74th minute secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Brentford at St James’ Park, propelling the Magpies to fifth place and snapping the Bees’ impressive five-match winning streak away from home in the Premier League.

Having celebrated their EFL Cup success with a trophy parade over the weekend, Newcastle swiftly turned their attention back to the Premier League, focusing on their objective of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.

Alexander Isak, who scored in the 2-1 win at Wembley against Liverpool, nearly broke the deadlock in the second minute with a close-range header that went just wide of Mark Flekken’s goal, following a cross from Tino Livramento.

Joelinton then tried his luck for the home side, firing wide of the left post, eliciting a sigh of relief from Thomas Frank’s team.

Newcastle continued to dominate the attacking play in the first half, with Harvey Barnes sending a powerful shot just past the far post, then later seeing a header ruled out for offside.

As it turned out, Brentford were left to rue their fortune when Isak finally broke the deadlock in stoppage time of the first half, converting a deflected effort after expertly connecting with Jacob Murphy’s pinpoint cross.

The Bees were understandably frustrated to concede just before the break, but were handed a chance to level the game when Nick Pope brought down Yoane Wissa in the box shortly after the hour mark.

Pope could not redeem himself, diving the wrong way as Bryan Mbeumo calmly slotted home the resulting penalty, marking his 16th goal of a commendable season.

Just moments later, Ethan Pinnock put the home side under pressure with a header that crashed against the post as Brentford aimed to build on their equaliser.

Newcastle capitalised on this close escape, quickly regaining their lead through Tonali, who remarkably blasted a right-footed shot past Flekken from a tight angle.

Eddie Howe’s squad maintained their composure in the dying moments, securing a third straight victory across all competitions.

Brentford, meanwhile, remain in 11th place and face a considerable challenge if they’re to keep their aspirations of European football alive.