Newcastle United player ratings v Brentford: 9/10 Sandro Tonali as 5/10 ‘a yard off’ in 2-1 win
Goals from Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali handed Newcastle United a 2-1 win against Brentford.
Newcastle United moved up to fifth in the Premier League table with a 2-1 victory over Brentford at St James’ Park.
Newcastle returned to competitive action for the first time since winning the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Wembley 17 days ago. Eddie Howe named an unchanged starting XI for the third successive match.
Harvey Barnes saw a goal disallowed for offside before Alexander Isak broke the deadlock on the brink of half-time when he guided home Jacob Murphy’s cross. Brentford then levelled from the penalty spot in the 66th minute through Bryan Mbeumo.
But Newcastle found a winner through a huge stroke of fortune when Sandro Tonali’s cross-cum-shot caught goalkeeper Mark Flekken out at his near post. It was the Italian’s third goal against the Bees this campaign after scoring a brace in the Carabao Cup meeting in December.
The win moved Howe’s side into the Champions League qualification spots. Here are our Newcastle United player ratings from the victory at St James’ Park:
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Nick Pope – 6
Had little to do in terms of shots but ended up conceding a penalty after bringing down Yoane Wissa. Beaten by Bryan Mbeumo. Important save right at the death. | Getty Images
Kieran Trippier – 8
Picked up where he left off at Wembley with a mammoth display down the right. Rarely gave Kevin Schade a sniff
Fabian Schar – 7.5
Made an important block to deny Kevin Schade. Stayed alert throughout the 90 minutes. Cleared a shot off the line in injury time.
Dan Burn – 8
Another big performance from Blyth-born defender. Dominant in the air and made some important blocks too.
Tino Livramento – 8
Do Newcastle have the best two left-backs in the league?! Terrific again, particularly when bombing forward. Kept Bryan Mbeumo quiet in the main.
Sandro Tonali – 9
Absolutely tireless in the middle of the park. Covered every blade of grass and some excellent interceptions. Scored the winner, but did he mean it?!
Bruno Guimaraes – 6
Always demanded the ball and pushed forward into some good positions but often lacked his usual quality.
Joelinton – 6
Took an early knock on his heavily strapped and didn’t quite recover. Battled on however
Jacob Murphy – 5
Looked a yard off the pace for the most part but managed to put in a superb cross that Isak headed home.
Harvey Barnes – 7
Went close to scoring on a couple of occasions. Worked hard down the left before switching over to the right. |
Alexander Isak – 6
By far his best performance but still found the net to score his 24th goal of the campaign. Substituted on the hour-mark after tiring.
Callum Wilson (on for Isak, 64) – 6
Saw a shot blocked in stoppage time. Helped see the game out.
Joe Willock (on for Murphy, 66) – 7
Carried the ball forward well to relieve the pressure on his teammates.