Newcastle United player ratings as Sandro Tonali brings the house down to net huge score
Sandro Tonali delivered a performance of pure artistry at St James’ Park, capping his midfield masterclass with a goal of breathtaking technical brilliance to keep Newcastle United’s Champions League dreams alive.
The Italian international’s moment of magic proved decisive in a pulsating encounter that showcased both Newcastle’s resilience and their growing European pedigree.
The match followed a familiar script for Eddie Howe’s side – dominance punctuated by moments of self-inflicted tension. Newcastle broke through on the stroke of halftime when Bruno Guimarães’ visionary pass found Jacob Murphy on the right flank.
Murphy’s curling cross finally located Alexander Isak after the Swedish striker had spurned two earlier chances, the forward making no mistake from close range to send the Geordie faithful into raptures.
Brentford’s response came via Newcastle’s occasional Achilles heel – defensive lapses. Nick Pope’s mistimed challenge on Yoane Wissa handed Bryan Mbeumo the chance to level from the spot, which the Cameroonian dispatched with ruthless efficiency. Yet the visitors’ parity lasted just eight minutes before Tonali etched his name into St James’ Park folklore.
The midfield maestro received possession from Harvey Barnes in what appeared a harmless wide position. As defenders braced for a cross, Tonali unleashed an astonishing strike that arrowed into the far top corner from an improbable angle, leaving Mark Flekken rooted to the spot.
The goal exemplified why Newcastle broke their transfer record to secure his services – a fusion of technical mastery and audacious creativity.
Tonali’s virtuoso display (worthy of a perfect 10/10 rating) formed the centerpiece of an impressive team performance.
Alongside him, Bruno Guimarães shook off a sluggish start to orchestrate two goals, while Joelinton provided the midfield steel that allowed his more creative counterparts to flourish. The Brazilian enforcer’s importance to Newcastle’s system grows with each passing week.
Defensively, Newcastle showcased both their strengths and lingering vulnerabilities. Dan Burn’s no-nonsense defending (8/10) produced countless crucial interventions, while Fabian Schär’s composed display (7/10) justified the club’s desire to extend his contract.
Tino Livramento (8/10) continues to impress in his unfamiliar left-back role, contributing to the opener and offering constant attacking threat.
Further forward, Alexander Isak’s (8/10) predatory instincts eventually overcame his early profligacy, the striker demonstrating why he’s become one of the Premier League’s most feared marksmen. His 36 touches tell only half the story – every defensive line tenses when the Swedish international drifts into dangerous areas.
While Nick Pope’s (7/10) penalty concession threatened to derail Newcastle’s momentum, his late save preserved three precious points, underlining why he remains one of England’s premier shot-stoppers despite occasional lapses.
Kieran Trippier (8/10) provided another captain’s performance, his leadership and delivery proving invaluable in Newcastle’s pursuit of Champions League football.
The victory reinforces Newcastle’s credentials as genuine top-four contenders, with Tonali’s emergence as a match-winner adding another dimension to their attacking arsenal. His ability to dictate tempo, break lines with penetrative passes, and now contribute spectacular goals makes him the complete modern midfielder.
As the Magpies enter the season’s decisive phase, performances like this suggest they possess both the quality and mentality to secure a coveted Champions League berth.
With Tonali pulling the strings and a squad finally approaching full fitness, Newcastle’s European ambitions appear in increasingly capable hands. The Italian’s wonderstrike didn’t just decide a match – it announced Newcastle’s arrival as serious contenders on multiple fronts.