Newcastle United 3-1 Brentford: Tonali double fires Howe's side into semi-finals

Sandro Tonali scored twice as Newcastle United eased to a 3-1 win over Brentford at St James' Park to reach the semi-finals of the EFL Cup.

The Italy international scored both of his goals in the first half of Wednesday's all-Premier League tie and Fabian Schar added the third, before Yoane Wissa netted a consolation in added time.

Tonali's first arrived after nine minutes as he fired home a first-time finish from 25 yards after Nathan Collins – a late addition after Sepp van den Berg was injured in the warm-up – only half-cleared a cross.

Anthony Gordon assisted the second two minutes before half-time through an outswinging corner that Tonali volleyed in unmarked from near the middle of the penalty area.

Bruno Guimaraes unselfishly teed up Schar to tap in Newcastle's third on 69 minutes – either side of Jacob Murphy and substitute Harvey Barnes striking the post – after Lewis Hall's drive was parried by Mark Flekken.

A below-full-strength Brentford, who also lost Ethan Pinnock to injury, did pull one back when substitute Bryam Mbuemo teed up Wissa in the 91st minute for what was a mere consolation.

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— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 18, 2024

Data Debrief: Newcastle one step from Wembley

Newcastle had won just two of their previous 11 quarter-final ties in this competition, most recently in 2022-23 when finishing runners-up, but they were good value for this victory.

These two sides are level on points in the Premier League, but there was a gulf in quality on the day, with Newcastle beating Brentford at home for the eighth time in their past nine meetings at St James' Park.

Eddie Howe's men once again have a realistic chance of ending their long wait for domestic silverware, which spans 69 years, while Brentford's own wait for a first major trophy will go on.