Eddie Howe confirms Sandro Tonali just did something Newcastle United hadn’t even worked on

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Sandro Tonali handed Newcastle United a dream start against Chelsea on Sunday.

Only minutes into a huge game in the Champions League race, Tonali gave Newcastle United the lead with a well-taken finish at the back post.  

It was a vital goal for Eddie Howe’s side, as well as the Italian’s sixth of the season. While the midfielder has excelled in a deeper role, it was his exploits further up the field that helped his team just a matter of seconds into the game.

The 25-year-old got on the end of Jacob Murphy’s cross in the opening exchanges, scuffing in a finish at the back post.

Speaking after the game, the Newcastle United manager even admitted he was shocked.

• Who is Sandro Tonali? Say salve to Newcastle United’s Italian midfield maestro

Eddie Howe shocked by Sandro Tonali in Newcastle United vs Chelsea

Howe was speaking to beIN Sports after the game.

Asked how pleasing it was to see Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes both score against Chelsea, Howe said he was delighted.

He did, however, add that the team hadn’t worked on Tonali following the ball into the box during training this week.

“With Sandro, we didn’t really work on that – him following the ball into the box,” he said.

“But he did, and it was a great piece of play from him because he’s regained the ball high and he’s got his rewards with the goal.”

Sandro Tonali stats for Newcastle United vs Chelsea

Tonali was at his brilliant best on Sunday, helping make Chelsea’s expensively-assembled central midfield pivot of Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia look lost.

Guimaraes also played his role and eventually wrapped up the game with a strike from distance in the dying embers, albeit with the help of a deflection.  

Still, Tonali deserves special mention for another all-action performance. As per WhoScored data, he played 2 key passes, had one shot (the goal) and made a tackle.

It was another dynamic display from arguably Howe’s most important player right now. He’s been fantastic all season and his energy in the centre of the park could be what is driving Newcastle back into the Champions League.