Sandro Tonali scored twice as Newcastle United beat Brentford 3-1 at St James’ Park to reach the EFL Cup semi-finals.
The Italy international scored both of his goals in the first half of Wednesday’s all-Premier League tie and Fabian Schar added the third, before Yone Wiesa scored the consolation in added time.
Tonali’s first came nine minutes later after Nathan Collins fired home a first-time finish from 25 yards – a late addition after Sepp van den Berg was injured in the warm-up – only to have a cross half cleared.
Anthony Gordon assisted the second two minutes before half-time with an outswinging corner that Tonally volleyed unmarked from the middle of the penalty area.
Bruno Guimaraes unselfishly tapped up Shark to tap in Newcastle’s third in the 69th minute – either side of Jacob Murphy and substitute Harvey Barnes striking the post – after Lewis Hall’s drive was parried by Mark Flecken.
Less than full-strength Brentford, who also lost Ethan Pinnock to injury, pulled one back when substitute Bryam Mbuyemo netted Wisa a mere consolation in the 91st minute.
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 18, 2024
Data Debrief: A step up from Newcastle Wembley
Newcastle had won just two of their previous 11 quarter-final ties in the competition, most recently when runners-up in 2022-23, but they were well worth the win.
The two sides are level on points in the Premier League, but there was a gulf in quality with Newcastle beating Brentford at home for the eighth time in their past nine meetings at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s men once again have a realistic chance of ending their long wait for domestic silverware, which spanned 69 years, while Brentford will wait for their first major trophy.
