ST JAMES’ PARK — Sandro Tonali’s celebration was almost as emphatic as his finish.
Granted, Tino Livramento had been busy enough down the right wing to force Nathan Collins into a hasty clearance but when the ball arrived at Tonali’s feet it nevertheless required something special.
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Read MoreIt was only Tonali’s second goal in black and white and 16 months, a long gambling ban and plenty of soul searching have passed since his first, which came on his debut in August 2023.
There was a story behind the sign. Last week reports emerged in Italy that he was unhappy at St James’ Park and craving a return to Serie A. Sick of not being centre stage was the theme of the piece, run through Google Translate a few thousand times by fretting Newcastle fans. It wasn’t true, those close to him said, but here he was grabbing the spotlight anyway.
Sandro Tonali celebrates after scoring Newcastle’s opening goal (Photo: Getty)He was the conductor here but also the difference. The Carabao Cup really matters at Newcastle – few need reminding that it’s 70 years since they won a domestic trophy – but Tonali’s goals punctured any tension floating around a sell-out crowd. Sell him? The Magpies know they would be mad to.
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Read MoreTwo conclusive wins later and suddenly Newcastle’s season is brimming with possibility again. A Carabao Cup semi-final in the new year – and the tantalising prospect of a return to Wembley in the Spring – sustains the season nicely.
Other than that it was fairly routine without ever being that comfortable. Newcastle cashed out on their fast start with an early goal and you expected an onslaught but it didn’t arrive. Instead there was a staccato flow to the first half, Brentford’s ability to dig in and sap the home side’s momentum a testament to the character that runs through Thomas Frank’s side.
Inevitably their resistance waned in the second half. After Schar rolled home a third Harvey Barnes smacked a post as Newcastle fans sang about Wembley and winning a cup. Yoane Wissa scored in stoppage time but it didn’t matter.
Newcastle are in only the third League Cup semi-final in their history and Howe has delivered two of them. He has returned hope to St James’ Park.
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