Sandro Tonali delivered a sensational winner to reignite Newcastle United’s ambitions of securing a coveted Champions League position, as the Magpies celebrated victory in their inaugural bout since conquering the Carabao Cup.
Alexander Isak notched his 20th Premier League goal this season, initially putting Eddie Howe’s men on the path to triumph. Yet, a penalty courtesy of Bryan Mbeumo, after Nick Pope felled Yoane Wissa, briefly overturned the atmosphere within St James’ Park.
The narrative altered once more when Tonali’s intended cross deceived Brentford’s goalkeeper, Mark Flekken, from an improbable angle near the right corner flag, securing Newcastle’s status in the hot pursuit for a top-four finish.
In a candid television interview, Tonali later admitted that his goal was “70% cross and 30% shot.”
This fixture transpired just 17 days after Newcastle ended their 70-year domestic trophy drought by besting Liverpool at Wembley.
The international break afforded Newcastle time to bask in their historic Wembley triumph, though manager Howe stressed the necessity of building on that success.
Despite not being at their most fluid, the Magpies did enough to overcome a Brentford side that had claimed victory in all five of their away fixtures in 2025 prior to this encounter.
Isak, currently in dazzling form, registered yet another goal for the season— his exquisite finish from Jacob Murphy’s cross eluding Flekken, courtesy of Mbeumo’s slip.
This marks the second consecutive campaign in which Isak has achieved the impressive tally of 20 or more Premier League goals for Newcastle.
Mbeumo’s penalty equaliser rekindled Brentford’s aspirations to prolong their winning streak, before Italian midfielder Tonali intervened dramatically.
Now moving above Chelsea into fifth position, Newcastle trail fourth-placed Manchester City by a mere point, whilst boasting a game in hand.
Jubilant Scenes at St James’
The pre-kickoff atmosphere was one of celebration, with Newcastle faithful donning Wembley scarves and black and white kits adorned with ‘Winners’ etched in gold.
The match day programme brimmed with images immortalising the club’s triumphant moment in history.
A thunderous cheer erupted as the home side emerged for their warm-up, spurred on by the announcer’s call to “make some noise for our Carabao Cup winners.”
Amid the fervour, a banner proclaimed, ‘Eddie Howe. History Made’.
As the match concluded, relief was palpable among Newcastle supporters as Brentford mounted a robust finish, almost snatching a second equaliser.
Yet, Tonali’s unexpected strike ensured the Magpies remained poised to join European football’s elite next season, alongside their freshly acquired silverware.
Post-match, Brentford manager Thomas Frank quizzed the former AC Milan star on the intentionality of his goal. Tonali merely smiled and nodded before providing a more detailed account during a post-match interview.
Resilient Bees Leave Empty-Handed
Brentford’s faithful will be lamenting their journey back from St James’ Park without points, given their triumphant away form this year, having vanquished Southampton, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Leicester, and Bournemouth.
Quiet during the first half, Brentford came alive after the interval, with Ethan Pinnock coming agonisingly close as his header struck the post at 1-1.
The closing moments were fraught for Newcastle fans with Mikkel Damsgaard and Kevin Schade spurning chances, while a VAR check on a Bruno Guimaraes and Damsgaard clash ultimately denied the Bees a penalty.
Ultimately, Brentford, secure in their Premier League status for a fifth successive season, faced their first away defeat since mid-December.
READ NEXT: