Cliff Notes – Sandro Tonali on screamer: ‘70% cross, 30% shot’
- Sandro Tonali described his stunning goal against Brentford as primarily a cross, admitting it was "70% cross, 30% shot," highlighting its unexpected nature for the goalkeeper.
- The victory propelled Newcastle United to fifth in the Premier League, enhancing their chances of Champions League qualification, with a crucial match against Leicester City upcoming.
- Alexander Isak, who opened the scoring, was substituted due to a groin injury, with manager Eddie Howe noting his performance was affected but praising his consistent goal-scoring ability.
Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali on screamer: ‘70% cross, 30% shot’
Sandro Tonali has admitted the spectacular goal he scored during Newcastle United’s 2-1 win over Brentford on Wednesday was a “70% cross, 30% shot.”
The midfielder’s powerful 74th-minute strike from the right touchline caught out Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken and helped the hosts seal a victory that boosted heir hopes of qualification for the Champions League next season.
The win moved Newcastle team up to fifth spot in the Premier League on 50 points, one ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea who face Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Thursday. A top-six finish is likely to be enough for qualification to Europe’s premier club competition owing to the performance of English teams on the continent this season.
Asked if his goal was deliberate, Tonali said: “Honestly, 70% cross, 30% shot. It was too strong, so powerful. It was difficult for the ‘keeper, but also difficult for me.”
Sandro Tonali scored a spectacular winner for Newcastle United on Wednesday. Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Alexander Isak opened the scoring at St. James’ Park, becoming the first Newcastle player to score 20 Premier League goals in consecutive seasons.
But the Sweden international was withdrawn in the 66th minute after suffering from a groin injury which manager Eddie Howe said had hampered his performance.
“You’re defined by ability to score goals in this league, and your attacking players really have to take that responsibility,” Howe said. “I think he’s [Isak] done that unbelievably well since he’s been here.
“It’s not easy to do. I don’t think this was his finest game, and I don’t think he’ll be surprised at me saying that. But he was in the right place at the right time. He maybe got a bit of luck with the finish, but he’s done that consistently, he’s always in the right place.
“I think on another day he would have scored more but I don’t think he was 100%. That’s why we withdrew him.
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‘We hope it’s nothing too serious but he just wasn’t feeling 100% in his groin. He was just a little bit unsure in his movement, so that’s why we withdrew him.’
Howe also said full-back Kieran Trippier is carrying a groin issue.
Newcastle travel to face Leicester City in their next Premier League fixture on April 7.