Sandro Tonali makes up for lost time by firing Newcastle into League Cup semi-finals
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Newcastle United have had to wait to see this version of Sandro Tonali. They have had to be patient, as well as understanding, but after his majestic, virtuoso display booked their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, it was worth it. Tonali was superb, dominating the midfield, striding around the pitch looking a class above every Brentford player who tried to get near him.
It was a performance of precision and power, silky touches, accurate passing, thumping tackles and two wonderful goals. It was the complete midfielder showing off all his skills as Eddie Howe became the first Newcastle manager to reach two cup semi-finals since the late, great Sir Bobby Robson 20 years ago.
Newcastle lost in the Carabao Cup final to Manchester United two years ago and would love to be back there in the spring. Over two legs, in the semi-finals, nobody will want to face them – or Tonali – in this sort of form. “It was a lovely moment, hearing and seeing the fans singing his name and for him to get to experience that in a game like this,” Howe said.
“He has already formed a really strong bond with the supporters and nights like this will only strengthen it. I like to see players rewarded for hard work, dedication and loyalty, and Sandro has shown all of those things. He has been through some dark times here, but he has come through that and is showing what a talent he is.”.
Sandro Tonali, take a bow...👏. What a HIT! pic.twitter.com/tJYyYb2Ahh. Howe had been forced to keep his expensive, high-performance Italian sports car locked in the garage for 10 months and it has taken some time to get his engine fine-tuned now he is back out on the road.
