Tonali's Lucky Winner Seals Vital Victory For Newcastle, Says Howe

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe hailed Sandro Tonali's remarkable winner in their 2-1 victory over Brentford on Wednesday, describing it as a pivotal moment in the clubs push for Champions League qualification. Tonali's 74th-minute strike from a tight angle found the net, sending Newcastle up to fifth place in the Premier League.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank called the goal a one in a million cross, suggesting that Tonali was fortunate. Even Tonali himself admitted there was an element of luck in the goal. It was definitely a good shot, but Id say it was 70 per cent a cross, he confessed. It was perfect in terms of speed, but I was a bit lucky because the goalkeeper wasnt in position.

Despite the element of luck, Howe insisted that Tonali deserved full credit for the strike, especially as it gave Newcastle a crucial boost in their quest to secure a Champions League spot. Let me tell you, Sandro can strike a ball like no one else. When he hits it, I sometimes worry for our goalkeepers wrists, Howe said. It was a big moment in the game, especially as the match was still in the balance. It's a key moment in our season.

Newcastle, who were playing their first match since winning the League Cup, are currently one point ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea, who face Tottenham on Thursday. They are also just a point behind Manchester City, who sit in fourth, with a game in hand. The top four teams qualify automatically for the Champions League, while fifth place may also secure entry depending on the performance of English clubs in European competitions this season.

Howe, pleased with his teams professionalism following their historic Wembley triumph, said, I was really hoping the players would focus and move forward, and they did. It was a massive win for our season, and credit to everyone because it wasn't an easy game.