‘Lucky’ Sandro Tonali praises £12m Newcastle United player who he thinks is having such a good season

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Newcastle United superstar Sandro Tonali believes he was lucky to score against Chelsea on Sunday.

The 25-year-old netted the Magpies’ opener, as Newcastle beat Chelsea 2-0 to take a giant step towards Champions League qualification.

Sandro Tonali broke the deadlock within two minutes, coming in at the back post to get on the end of Jacob Murphy’s cross.

The Italy international scored his sixth goal of the season, but believes he was very fortunate to find the back of the net.

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

‘Lucky’ Sandro Tonali goal was all about Jacob Murphy

Following Newcastle United’s win over Chelsea, Tonali spoke to Optus Sport.

The midfielder described his goal as ‘lucky’, and was more keen to heap praise on his teammate Jacob Murphy for the assist.

“I was a little bit lucky,” he said.

“I pressed very well. Me and Bruno on the number six.

“We play on Murph. Murph puts in the ball very, very well. One more assist for him. This season is so good.

“I think on the last I was a little bit lucky because my shot was not perfect. It was on the line.”

Second lucky goal of the season for Sandro Tonali

Tonali is incredibly modest when it comes to his goals.

This is not the first time that the £55million man has not wanted to take too much credit for one of his strikes.

It was a similar story when it came to his winner against Brentford earlier in the season.

Newcastle beat Brentford 2-1 at St James’ Park, with Tonali’s ridiculous goal from the tightest of angles handing Eddie Howe’s side all three points.

However, Tonali said it was not a shot after the game, admitting that he was actually trying to put a cross into the box.

Jacob Murphy close to Newcastle United assists record

As Tonali says, Murphy really is having an incredible season.

The Toon winger continued his incredible form on Sunday, adding another assist to his collection.

In total this season, Murphy has nine goals and 14 assists in all competitions.

• Who is Jacob Murphy? The Newcastle United star who has transformed under Eddie Howe

In the Premier League alone, the 30-year-old has provided eight goals and 12 assists. Combine the two and Murphy has got 20 goal contributions in a single Premier League season.

It has been a remarkable year for Murphy, who needs three more assists to make a bit of history with Newcastle United.

During the Premier League era, Nolberto Solano has the highest number of Toon assists in a single season. He got 15 during the 1999/2000 season. With two games remaining, Murphy is three assists shy of equalling the Peruvian midfielder’s tally.

While it feels unlikely that Murphy will get another three assists against Arsenal and Everton, there is no denying that this has been the best season of the £12million player’s career.