Manager Eddie Howe says Newcastle are finally “starting to see the best” of Sandro Tonali as they booked their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 victory over Brentford at St James’ Park.
The Italy international scored the opening two goals for the Magpies against the Bees as he delivered a masterclass in midfield play.
His first came with an unerring 20-yard drive after Tino Livramento’s cross was only partially cleared and the former AC Milan player added to his tally with a cushioned side-foot volley from Anthony Gordon’s corner from the right.
Tonali, 24, who returned this season from a 10-month ban for breaching betting rules, notably also made a heart gesture to the home supporters as he celebrated his opener – after waking to media reports linking him with a move to Juventus.
“He’s a big signing and you want your big signings to do well and settle quickly,” said Howe.
“He’s been here a while, but has had very little football. Nights like tonight will build connections with him and the supporters even stronger, I’m just really pleased for him on a personal level.
“It was great to see Sandro score the two that he did. We are starting to see the best of him.”
Operating in a slightly deeper role, Tonali, who joined Newcastle for £55m in the summer of 2023, played the role of orchestrator for much of Wednesday’s game, with Howe adding: “The tweak in position has definitely helped him, he is a lot more comfortable when he is deeper on the pitch.
“He is showing all the qualities that we knew when we signed him. It is just about finding the right balance for him and the team.”
The hosts added their third when captain Bruno Guimaraes laid on a tap-in for Fabian Schar to put the gloss on a much-deserved win.
It proved a disappointing evening for Brentford, who mustered just two shots on target until Yoane Wissa prodded in a late consolation in added time.
Prior to that Newcastle had twice struck the woodwork as Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Gordon and substitute Harvey Barnes all failed to convert good opportunities to inflict even more punishment on their lacklustre opponents.
Thomas Frank’s team were not helped by losing Sepp van den Berg in the warm-up and then seeing their captain and fellow centre-back Ethan Pinnock limp off inside 15 minutes.
However, the Dane will still likely be dissatisfied by the manner of their defeat, with his side barely offering any resistance as their woeful record on their travels continued.
The semi-final draw will take place on Thursday, after Tottenham’s quarter-final tie with Manchester United (20:00 GMT) concludes.
