Newcastle United – Brentford 3-1: Newcastle moves into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup

Manager Eddie Howe says Newcastle are finally “seeing the best of Sandro Tonali” as they booked their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win over Brentford at St James’ Park.

The Italy international scored the first two goals for the Magpies against the Bees, producing a masterful performance in midfield.

He scored the first goal with a precise 20-yard drive after Tino Livramento’s cross was only partially cleared and the former AC Milan player added to his tally with a subdued volley from Anthony Gordon’s corner from the right.

Tonali, 24, who returned this season after a 10-month ban for breaching betting rules, also made a warm gesture to home fans as he celebrated his opening game – after waking up to media reports linking him to a move to Juventus connected.

“He’s a big signing and you want your big signings to do well and establish themselves quickly,” Howe said.

“He has been here for a while but has played very little football. Evenings like this evening will strengthen the bond with him and the fans, I’m just really happy for him on a personal level.”

“It was great to see Sandro score the two goals. We’re starting to see the best of him.”

In a slightly deeper role, Tonali, who joined Newcastle for £55m in the summer of 2023, played the role of orchestrator for much of Wednesday’s game, with Howe adding: “The change in position definitely helped him, he’s very comfortable when he is deeper on the field.

“He shows all the qualities we knew we had when we signed him. It’s just about finding the right balance for him and the team.”

The hosts added their third goal when captain Bruno Guimaraes fed Fabian Schar to seal a deserved win.

It was a disappointing evening for Brentford, who only managed two shots on target until Yoane Wissa scored a late consolation goal in stoppage time.

Newcastle had already found the net twice earlier as Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Gordon and substitute Harvey Barnes failed to capitalize on good opportunities to inflict more damage on their lackluster opponents.

It didn’t help Thomas Frank’s team that Sepp van den Berg missed the warm-up session and then captain and fellow central defender Ethan Pinnock had to limp off the pitch within 15 minutes.

However, the Dane is likely to still be unhappy with the manner of his defeat as his side offered little resistance as their dismal record on the trip continued.

The semi-final draw will take place on Thursday after Tottenham’s quarter-final game against Manchester United (20:00 GMT) concludes.