Eddie Howe saw his Newcastle United attack burst into life against Union Saint-Gilloise, but it was his midfield that provided the foundation.
Newcastle beat USG on Wednesday night, cruising to a 4-0 victory in Brussels. The Magpies were outstanding, producing the type of performance that fans have been waiting for this season.
It was all about the Newcastle United forward line, with Nick Woltemade impressing supporters.
Anthony Gordon was excellent too, scoring two penalties. Elsewhere, Anthony Elanga won UEFA’s player of the match award.
That front three looked incredibly dangerous, but Eddie Howe was also impressed with his tried and tested midfield three. That includes Sandro Tonali, who quietly stole the show in Belgium.
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Eddie Howe delighted with Sandro Tonali’s ‘controlled’ Newcastle United performance
Following Newcastle’s win over USG, Howe spoke to the media.
The Newcastle United manager was asked to give his thoughts on Tonali’s performance, with the 25-year-old playing the full 90 minutes at Lotto Park.
“I think you saw the best of Sandro,” he said.
“He was driving with the ball from an attacking sense. Driving with the ball through midfield. He looked dynamic, he looked athletic.
“I thought Joelinton, Bruno and Sandro controlled the midfield in the early stages of the game, which really gave us confidence and a platform to build off.
“It was a really good performance from Sandro.”
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Tonali gave Newcastle United lift off in the Champions League in the 17th minute, or so he thought.
His shot was deflected into the USG net to give the Magpies the lead, as Tonali wheeled away in celebration alongside Bruno Guimaraes.
However, as Tonali turned around, he was greeted by a giant German who was quick to tell him who had really scored Newcastle’s opener.
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Nick Woltemade pointed to himself, telling Tonali that he had directed his teammate’s shot into the back of the net. It was an elegant flick from the 23-year-old, who bagged his third goal in Toon colours since becoming Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever.
Tonali was robbed of what would have been his first ever Champions League goal, but he will not mind. The midfield maestro is happy going about his business in the middle of the park, dominating the game with his incredible power off the ball and calmness on it.
He was Newcastle United’s unsung hero in Brussels, on a night that will hopefully kickstart their season.
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