Two goals from Sando Tonali helped Newcastle to a 3-1 victory over Brentford in their Carabao Cup semi-final at St James' Park.
The Magpies midfielder scored two fine first-half finishes to put his side in total command. When Fabian Schar scored from close range midway through the second, there was no way back for the Bees, despite Yoane Wissa's consolation goal in stoppage time.
Eddie Howe signaled his intention by naming an unchanged starting line-up from the one that beat Leicester 4-0 in the Premier League on Saturday and that was reflected in a dominant display against a Brentford side that struggled to form of late.
Tonali stars in Newcastle win
Tonali's first goal, just outside the penalty box, was the Italian's first goal for the club since he scored six minutes into his debut last August. He didn't have long to wait for his next one, a cushioned volley from a corner that beat Mark Flekken.
Thomas Frank's players could point to a foul that could have been off the ball but they probably wouldn't have many complaints on a night in which not much went right from the moment Sepp van den Berg was injured in the warm-up. Ethan Pinnock also came off early with a hamstring issue.
“I've been very vocal that I don't think we've had the best schedule,” Frank said beforehand, referring to Brentford's game against Chelsea late on Sunday. But for Newcastle it was there was a sense that this was a slightly higher priority.
Without a major domestic trophy in nearly 70 years, Howe would like to end that wait. In the last four, they now have a chance. And Newcastle's improved form will give them confidence that they are capable of booking their place at Wembley.
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Watch Sandro Tonali's two stunning goals for Newcastle against Brentford
Frank: We lost to a better team
Brentford boss Thomas Frank speaks to Sky Sports:
“We lost on the day to a better team. There's not too much to say besides that. If you look at our own performance, we can't concede the three goals we conceded.
“That's what I'm very disappointed about and we have to sort that out. In a difficult quarter-final we cannot concede three soft goals.
“But fair play to Newcastle, they were well-worked corner practices. But if you want to go on to the semi-finals we have to do better.”
Howe impressed with Newcastle midfield
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe speaking after the game:
“I am very happy with the players. It was a difficult game but we got some good goals tonight which we are very happy with the quality. And we are happy for Sandro with his two great strikes.
“It's really been a while back, but you deserve it. His performances in midfield have been very good for us, and he continues to improve the more he plays and develops the relationship with the players around him.
“He looks a lot more comfortable when he's deeper on the pitch. I'm really happy with how our midfield looks at the moment. We have some great players there and the balance is looks good.”
Terrific Tonali turns it up for Toon
Analysis by Sky Sports' Simeon Gholam:
If Tonali is unhappy in Newcastle, he certainly doesn't look it.
The Italy midfielder finally seems to be living up to the expectations and price tag at St James' Park, with his brilliance proving the difference in taking the Magpies step closer to it.
The first goal was outstanding, the cleanest of shots that showed his technique. His comments and celebrations show the bond he has formed with the Toon support – who really supported him through his suspension last season.
The second, the result of a well-worked practice from a corner, showed his understanding and sense of space. Away from the goals, he and Bruno Guimaraes dominated the midfield. It feels like a special partnership is forming between the two.
If not his best display in a Newcastle shirt, this was certainly his most impactful. His quality led the game in their direction. If he could be the man to lead the club to that long awaited cup, he will never be forgotten in the city.
