Sandro Tonali’s wonder strike secured all three points for Newcastle United against Brentford.
Just days after the Carabao Cup bus parade, Newcastle United avoided a hangover by beating Brentford 2-1 at St James’ Park.
Bryan Mbeumo set up Alexander Isak for the opener after an unfortunate slip from the Newcastle target. However, Nick Pope then provided a golden opportunity for Mbeumo to redeem himself by giving away a penalty.
Mbeumo scored from the spot, but Tonali’s incredible strike from range fired Newcastle back into the lead and was enough to get the win.
Newcastle are now fifth in the Premier League table with nine games remaining in the season.
Mark Clattenburg view on Nick Pope penalty
Newcastle dominated much of the first hour of football on Wednesday evening but Brentford were allowed back into it through Pope’s foul.
Pope was excellent at Wembley but he appeared to misjudge his challenge on Yoane Wissa just after the hour mark and referee Peter Bankes pointed to the spot.
Speaking exclusively to Geordie Boot Boys, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg gave his view on the penalty call.
“Peter Bankes the referee correctly awards Brentford a penalty against Newcastle United,” Clattenburg said.
“As the ball is played in, Wissa gets just in front of Nick Pope, Newcastle United’s goalkeeper, and Pope catches him with his arm and creates a tripping action.
“Therefore, this is what the referee sees so he correctly awards a penalty kick. What the VAR does is he’ll make a quick check for an offside in the build-up which there isn’t.
“Therefore, the on-field decision is a penalty kick and there’s not a clear and obvious error from the referee for the VAR to overturn as there is contact from Nick Pope.”
Eddie Howe has a Nick Pope decision to make this summer
Rather controversially, Pope has pushed Martin Dubravka down the pecking order since his return from injury.
Dubravka was excellent during Pope’s absence, and even broke clean sheet records during a remarkable winning run.
But Howe put his faith in Pope as soon as he returned fit and it was Pope who got the nod to start at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final.
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Reports suggest, Howe wants a new goalkeeper this summer, so a decision will have to be made on Pope’s future and whether he remains the No.1 next season.
Howe is a big admirer of Pope but at 32 years old, he could soon be pushed out of the starting lineup by a younger shot-stopper.
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