Newcastle United’s celebrations continued on Wednesday as they defeated Brentford 2-1 in the Premier League.
A raucous – obviously – crowd, complete with a Sam Fender-inspired banner – welcomed Newcastle United back to St. James’ Park following their Carabao Cup final triumph.
It was a suitable lively start from Eddie Howe’s side, who should have gone ahead within two minutes, but Brentford grew into things to make it a tightly contested encounter.
Newcastle created the better chances, though, and took a deserved lead just before the break when Alexander Isak found the back of the net once again.
The second half followed a similar pattern with the hosts starting brightly before Brentford got a foothold, but this time they levelled when Bryan Mbuemo converted a penalty.
Just when it appeared Newcastle were losing the momentum, Sandro Tonali scored a remarkable goal from the flank to retake the lead.
There were some nervy moments to come but Newcastle held on for a vital three points.
Here’s how the players rated.
Nick Pope – 6.5
Had little to do before he was suckered in by Yoane Wissa and gave away the penalty, which he was sent the wrong way on. Made some amends with an important save in added time.
Kieran Trippier – 8
Kept his good form going with another canny, aggressive display. Though Brentford’s dangerous left side did give him some problems at points, he put in a hell of a shift as he marshalled the right flank all evening.
Made a crucial headed clearance from a dangerous cross, too.
Fabian Schar – 7
A typical Fabian Schar performance, complete with a booking for a late lunge.
Dan Burn – 8
Another solid display at the back and coped well when Brentford turned up the heat with long throws and crosses. Made one vital interception on the slide.
Tino Livramento – 9
Another fantastic performance from Tino Livramento in his unnatural position. His early energy set the tone for the match, he defended doggedly and he created two golden opportunities.
Playing a right-back on the left can often be detrimental as many aren’t confident enough to go down the wing and use their weaker foot to cross, but Livramento has no such issue and that’s a real blessing.
Bruno Guimaraes – 8
Repeatedly looked to make the killer incisive pass that didn’t always pay off but was involved in the build-up of both goals. Made some big blocks and tackles.
Sandro Tonali – 9
Responsible for the most bizarre goal of the season when his cross somehow found the back of the net from a near-impossible angle!
His performance was great, too, as he buzzed about the field, passed the ball nicely and dug in deep as Brentford applied some intense pressure.
Joelinton – 8
An all-action display suggests Joelinton is over his Brazil hangover. The midfielder dominated the left side and combined his bruising tackles with some lovely touches, strong running on the ball and awe-inspiring flicks, including for the goal.
Jacob Murphy – 6
Hard-working if quiet in the first half until, right on the stroke of the whistle, he set up yet another goal for Isak with an excellent cross, even if aided by a slip in defence. Though a great contribution, it was all he really did before being taken off.
Alexander Isak – 7.5
Redeemed himself by turning in the opener after missing an early sitter and squandering a great chance moments before when he crossed to an offside Barnes instead of shooting or passing the ball earlier.
His link-up play was incredibly sharp, though, as he dropped deep and played some lovely passes to bring his fellow forwards into play. Brentford struggled to deal with his movement in the first half.
Faded after the break and seemed to struggle with an issue before being withdrawn in the 66th minute.
Harvey Barnes – 7
Continued to ensure Newcastle did not struggle without the suspended Anthony Gordon with another bright display.
Harvey Barnes was very positive on the ball as he looked to take on his attacker and showed some nice interplay with Joelinton and Livramento. Squandered a few good sights at goal, but can claim an assist for Tonali’s goal.
Substitutes
Callum Wilson – 6
Looked sharp and threatening leading the line with smart movement.
Joe Willock – 6
Pressed really hard and got the crowd geed up just as things were going flat.
Emil Krafth – 6
Saw the game out.
Lewis Miley – N/A
Came on with a couple of minutes left.
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