Newcastle United secured a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a commanding 3-1 victory over Brentford, propelled by an outstanding performance from Sandro Tonali. The midfielder’s first-half brace, coupled with Fabian Schär’s goal, put the hosts in a dominant position, ensuring they will compete for a spot in the final.
Tonali, who has become increasingly vital to Eddie Howe’s side since being given a deeper role in midfield, was the standout player on a chilly night at St James’ Park. His ability to control the tempo of the game, slowing things down when necessary and then accelerating play at the right moments, was a key factor in Newcastle’s success. Howe’s tactical shift, which saw Bruno Guimarães moved into a more advanced role, has allowed Tonali to thrive, and his contributions were once again evident in this match.
The game began at a fast pace, with Newcastle quickly asserting their dominance. Tonali’s first goal came after a fortunate deflection when Nathan Collins, filling in for the injured Sepp van den Berg, cleared a cross from Tino Livramento straight into his path. The Italian made no mistake, dispatching a right-footed shot past Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken. The early goal set the tone, and it wasn’t long before Brentford were on the back foot, struggling to deal with Newcastle’s high intensity.
The visitors were already under pressure when Mads Roerslev replaced the injured Ethan Pinnock, further disrupting Brentford’s defensive setup. Despite some appeals for a penalty from Yoane Wissa after a challenge by Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, referee Sam Barrott waved away the claim. Wissa had rounded Dubravka and appeared to be caught by the goalkeeper’s heel, but the referee was not convinced, and the decision stood. With VAR not in operation, the incident went unpunished, and Newcastle’s defense remained intact.
As the first half wore on, Newcastle began to ease into a more measured rhythm. Despite their early dominance, they briefly seemed to lose their edge, allowing Brentford a few chances to build momentum. However, Tonali once again took charge, scoring a second goal to make it 2-0. The goal came from a corner delivered by Anthony Gordon, which was expertly met by Tonali, who volleyed the ball past Flekken with precision. The movement of Joelinton, who distracted two Brentford defenders during the set piece, was a key part of the goal, showcasing the tactical ingenuity of Howe’s coaching staff.
Brentford, on the other hand, appeared to have little response to Newcastle’s growing control. Their attempts to break down the hosts’ defense were largely ineffective, and the visitors struggled to create meaningful chances. As the game progressed, it became clear that Brentford’s hopes of mounting a comeback were slim. Newcastle’s third goal, which came in the 58th minute, sealed the win. Fabian Schär was on hand to tap in from close range after a scramble in the box, following blocked shots from Tonali and Lewis Hall. Guimarães played a crucial role in setting up the goal, selflessly passing the ball across the face of the goal for Schär to finish.
Despite a late consolation goal from Wissa in stoppage time, which did little to alter the outcome, the match was effectively decided long before. Newcastle’s 3-1 victory put them into the semi-finals, where they will now look to end their long wait for a domestic trophy. The team’s performance, particularly in the first half, was a reminder of their attacking potential, and Howe’s tactical adjustments appear to be paying off.
For Brentford, the defeat was a disappointment, with manager Thomas Frank acknowledging that his team had given away “soft goals.” The Bees, who have struggled on the road this season, will need to regroup quickly, as their away form continues to be a major concern.
For Newcastle, the win was a significant step towards ending their 69-year trophy drought. With Tonali in such fine form and the team beginning to find their rhythm, the prospect of a trip to Wembley is beginning to feel more realistic. However, with key players like Schär and Guimarães now suspended for the semi-final first leg, Howe will need to carefully manage his squad as they look to make the most of this promising cup run.
