EPL: Newcastle Move Up to Fifth with Hard-Fought Victory

Newcastle United secured a 2-1 win over Brentford at St James' Park, with Sandro Tonali's stunning strike proving the difference-maker in a closely contested match.

Sandro Tonali's incredible 74th-minute goal sealed a thrilling 2-1 win for Newcastle over Brentford at St James' Park. This stunning victory propelled the Magpies to fifth place in the Premier League, while also ending Brentford's impressive five-game winning streak away from home.

Newcastle's focus shifted swiftly from celebrating their EFL Cup triumph with a trophy parade over the weekend to concentrating on their Premier League campaign and the pursuit of UEFA Champions League qualification. Alexander Isak opened the scoring just before halftime, capitalizing on Bryan Mbeumo's slip, and Tonali's winner in the 74th minute secured the three points for the Magpies.

Alexander Isak, who scored in Newcastle's 2-1 Wembley win over Liverpool, nearly opened the scoring in the second minute with a header from Tino Livramento's cross, but it sailed inches wide. Joelinton was the next to test the Brentford defense, driving the ball wide of Mark Flekken's left post, much to the relief of Thomas Frank's team.

Newcastle continued to pose the greater attacking threat in the first half, with Harvey Barnes unleashing a fierce effort that whizzed past the far post. Barnes thought he had scored with a headed effort, only for it to be chalked off for offside. Just as it seemed Brentford would escape the first half unscathed, Newcastle's talisman, Alexander Isak, struck in stoppage time. He expertly diverted a deflected effort home after meeting Jacob Murphy's pinpoint cross, sending the Magpies into the break with a 1-0 lead.

Isak goal ✅
Mbeumo goal ✅
Tonali wonder strike ✨

It's @NUFC who claim the three points ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/11wXnpjQYP

— Premier League (@premierleague) April 2, 2025

Brentford was dealt a harsh blow when they conceded on the stroke of halftime, but they were handed a lifeline in the 61st minute. Nick Pope committed a costly error, bringing down Yoane Wissa in the penalty area, and Brentford capitalized on the opportunity. Bryan Mbeumo calmly converted the ensuing penalty, sending Pope the wrong way, and notching his 16th goal of the season.

The equalizer seemed to galvanize Brentford, and they nearly took the lead moments later. Ethan Pinnock's header rattled the upright, sending a scare through the Newcastle ranks. However, the hosts weathered the storm and responded decisively. Sandro Tonali restored Newcastle's lead with a stunning strike, somehow managing to lash a right-foot shot past Mark Flekken from an acute angle.

Eddie Howe's side demonstrated their mettle by holding their nerve in the closing stages, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory. This triumph marked their third consecutive win in all competitions, propelling them up the table. In contrast, Brentford remains in 11th place, and their European aspirations are hanging in the balance. They face a significant challenge in reviving their hopes of continental qualification.