December 19, (THEWILL) – Sandro Tonali delivered an outstanding performance with two goals in Newcastle United’s commanding 3-1 triumph over Brentford at St James’ Park, sending the Magpies through to the EFL Cup semi-finals on Wednesday evening.
The Italian midfielder opened the scoring in the ninth minute with an exceptional long-range strike from 25 yards, capitalising on Nathan Collins’s partial clearance.
Collins had been brought into the starting lineup following Sepp van den Berg’s pre-match injury during the warm-up exercises.
Anthony Gordon proved instrumental in Newcastle’s second goal, delivering a precise out swinging corner that found Tonali unmarked in the penalty area.
The summer signing executed a clinical volley to double his team’s advantage two minutes before the interval.
The home side continued their dominant display in the second half, with Bruno Guimaraes setting up Fabian Schar for a simple finish in the 69th minute.
The third goal materialised after goalkeeper Mark Flekken could only parry Lewis Hall’s powerful drive, allowing Schar to convert from close range.
Newcastle’s attacking display was further demonstrated through Jacob Murphy and substitute Harvey Barnes, who both struck the woodwork during an impressive attacking display.
Brentford, fielding a rotated squad, experienced additional setbacks when defender Ethan Pinnock left the field due to injury.
The visitors managed to register a consolation goal in the 91st minute through Yoane Wissa, who finished well from Bryam Mbuemo’s assist, but it proved too late to influence the outcome of this quarter-final encounter.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
