Sandro Tonali delivered a remarkable winning goal to strengthen Newcastle United’s pursuit of a Champions League place, securing a hard-fought win in their first match since claiming the Carabao Cup.
Eddie Howe’s side took the lead when Alexander Isak notched his 20th Premier League goal of the season. However, Brentford found a way back into the game when Bryan Mbeumo confidently converted a penalty after Nick Pope brought down Yoane Wissa, shifting the momentum at St James’ Park.
The decisive moment arrived when Tonali, from near the right corner flag, sent in a cross-shot that caught goalkeeper Mark Flekken off guard, restoring Newcastle’s lead and ensuring they remained firmly in contention for a top-four finish. The Italian midfielder later admitted that his effort was “70% cross and 30% shot,” acknowledging an element of luck in his strike.
This fixture came just over two weeks after Newcastle ended their 70-year wait for a major domestic title with victory over Liverpool at Wembley. While the international break allowed the Magpies to revel in their triumph, Howe was adamant about maintaining focus and building on their success.
Despite not being at their most fluid, Newcastle found a way past a Brentford side that had enjoyed an impressive run of five consecutive away wins in 2025 before visiting Tyneside.
Isak, in the midst of a sensational campaign, capitalized on Jacob Murphy’s cross and a slip by Mbeumo to put the hosts in front. Having now reached the 20-goal mark for the second straight Premier League season, the Swedish striker continues to play a pivotal role in Newcastle’s ambitions.
Mbeumo’s equalizer from the spot reignited Brentford’s hopes of extending their unbeaten away streak, but Tonali’s audacious finish ensured Newcastle came away with all three points. The victory propelled the Magpies above Chelsea into fifth, leaving them just one point behind fourth-placed Manchester City with a game in hand. Brentford remained in 11th place on 41 points.
Celebratory atmosphere at St James’ Park
Before kick-off, a sense of celebration filled the stadium as Newcastle fans donned Wembley scarves and black-and-white shirts emblazoned with ‘Winners’ in gold lettering.
The match program was filled with images capturing their historic Carabao Cup triumph, while a loud cheer greeted the players as they stepped out for the warm-up. The stadium announcer encouraged the crowd to make noise for their cup-winning team, and a banner with the words ‘Eddie Howe. History Made’ was displayed proudly.
By the closing stages, however, relief replaced celebration as Brentford pushed for a second equalizer. The visitors threatened in the final moments, but Tonali’s fortunate strike ultimately secured the win, keeping Newcastle on course for European qualification alongside their recent silverware.
Howe praised the Italian’s ability to strike from distance, admitting his relief when the ball found the net. “Tonali has a thunderbolt of a strike when he does go for goal,” he said. “I was mightily relieved to see it hit the net. We had to grind out a win. This result is massive for us and will give us a big boost.”
Brentford’s late surge falls short
Brentford left St James’ Park frustrated after an intense effort that saw them come close to salvaging a point. The Bees had been formidable away from home in 2025, recording wins over Southampton, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Leicester, and Bournemouth.
Though they struggled to trouble Pope in the first half, the visitors posed a greater threat after the interval. Ethan Pinnock came closest to giving Brentford the lead when he struck the post with a header at 1-1.
As the clock ticked down, Newcastle supporters grew anxious, particularly as Mikkel Damsgaard and Kevin Schade missed chances deep into stoppage time. There was further tension when the video assistant referee assessed a challenge between Bruno Guimaraes and Damsgaard, but no penalty was awarded.
Ultimately, Brentford’s impressive unbeaten away run, dating back to December 15, was ended by Tonali’s unexpected strike. After the match, Bees manager Thomas Frank approached Tonali to ask whether his goal had been intentional. The midfielder smiled and nodded, later conceding in his interview that fortune played a role in the moment.
“That’s one in a million,” Frank admitted when discussing Tonali’s goal.
