Newcastle 2 Brentford 1 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction

The Mag

·1 April 2025

Newcastle 2 Brentford 1 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction

Instant fan / writer reaction from some of our regular contributors on The Mag.

‘That’s an excellent 3 points.

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Always a risk of after the lord mayor’s show and so it proved, United not firing on all cylinders yet overcoming half decent opposition.’

David Punton:

‘The winning habit!

Sandro Tonali’s breathtaking strike was a goal worthy of winning any game – delivering a huge a boost to our champions league hopes into the bargain.

It was delicately poised at 1-1 and it was the Italian international who came up with the killer second, from an outrageous angle.

He meant it.

Brentford are tricky opponents and the first game after the Wembley high was always likely to be a test.

Howe has guided us through that, too.

Isak was the name on everyone’s lips in the first half when he popped up for his 20th Premier League goal of the season. A top marksman. He poached that tap in.

Special mention to the officials for adding ten minutes on. Where did that all come from? It seemed ridiculous.

Thankfully we got through it – and we win yet again.’

Nat Seaton:

‘What a massive win tonight.

Not our very best but got the three points with a thoroughly deserved win.

Two great goals but special mention for Tonali’s cracker, whether he meant it or not! Worthy of winning any game.

On to Leicester, full of confidence and togetherness in pursuit of that coveted top 5 spot.’

The Armchair Fan:

‘Whoo hoo! Delighted with that!

Great goals and a deserved win.

Was very nervous near the end but we hung on to achieve what could be a huge three points towards champions league qualification.

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Billy Miller:

‘After a dreamlike fortnight it was important to get another three points in the league.

Felt like it was going to be quite routine until the last half hour when everything got a bit bonkers.

What a winner from Tonali. The audacity as much as the power beating Flekken.’

Tony Mallabar:

‘Last couple of seasons I’ve been getting into the ground about 30 mins before kick off to sample the atmosphere, as apparently Newcastle United don’t need me to have my lucky pre-game 15 pints.

Anyway, watching the crowds come in, it soon became apparent that grown men who were on nodding terms, are now lifelong friends with cuddling and embracing aplomb.

Onto the action tonight and Tonali will take all the credits with his wonder goal, but also a mention to the team with a very professional performance against an accomplished Brentford outfit.’

Mark Jankowski:

‘After a bright start to the game, it looked like we were going to be served a classic dish of cup hangover.

Fortunately, a below par Isak managed to find the net in bonus added time after squandering a massive opportunity minutes earlier.

Brentford went very direct second half but didn’t really look like carving out a chance until they won the penalty to level the score.

Fortunately for us we had the best player on the pitch in Sandro Tonali. Our midfield maestro was head and shoulders above his peers and rifled in the winner late on.

Bruno, Trippier and Burn all worked tirelessly but on the whole, we were below par.

A big 3 points gained.’

Simon Ritter:

‘Newcastle were rarely short of energy but sometimes lacked precision.

Isak scored but again failed to take other chances, something that cost us the points in the reverse fixture.

Livramento again showed he can play superbly on the left and is likely to be one of the first names on the teamsheet whenever he is available.

Tonali repaid a bit more of his debt and was a cut above any other player.

When the teams were announced, I was delighted to see Damsgaard on the bench. If he had started we might have had an even trickier evening.

The race for Champions League places is probably now down to any three from United, Forest, Man City, Chelsea, Villa and Brighton. Strap yourselves in!’

Bazoox:

‘I predicted 2-1 before the game.

We lost our grip of things for the first twenty minutes of the second half and inevitably got punished.

Sandro Tonali’s goal was a wonder strike. There was nobody in the box and he lashed it goalwards regardless.

A precious three points and we are currently looking good.

Champions League football is in our own hands now.’

Newcastle 2 Brentford 1 – Wednesday 2 April 7.45pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Isak 45+2, Tonali 74

Mbeuno 66 pen