Alexander Isak continued his impressive form, but it was Sandro Tonali who stole the show in Newcastle`s victory against Brentford.
Tonali`s powerful strike from a wide position surprised Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken, securing Newcastle`s position close to the top four, chasing Manchester City.
This victory occurred even without star striker Alexander Isak being on the pitch for the entirety of the game.
While Isak is still working towards surpassing Alan Shearer`s club record of 206 goals, the Swedish forward has already achieved something Shearer never did.
Following Newcastle`s recent trophy win, Isak has become the first Newcastle player to score 20 or more goals in consecutive Premier League seasons after scoring the opening goal in this match.
Brentford, who were unbeaten in their last six away games, initially threatened Newcastle`s celebration when Bryan Mbeumo equalized with a penalty. However, Tonali`s spectacular goal turned the tide.
The atmosphere at Newcastle was celebratory, as fans welcomed back the Carabao Cup champions.
After an estimated 300,000 fans attended the trophy parade, the Newcastle supporters unveiled a large flag of manager Eddie Howe with the message: “Eddie Howe History Made,” commemorating the end of their 70-year trophy drought.
Howe acknowledged the fans` appreciation, but both he and his team are focused on achieving even greater success.
Howe mentioned that Newcastle`s main challenge is maintaining consistency in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.
Starting with the same lineup that defeated Liverpool in the cup final, Newcastle began the match energetically.
They quickly created an opportunity in the second minute, with Joelinton passing to Tino Livramento on the left, who crossed to the back post.
Isak met the cross, but couldn`t convert from close range under pressure.
Joelinton then shot wide as Newcastle continued to press. Isak had another chance after Jacob Murphy dispossessed Ethan Pinnock, but he shot over the bar from 20 yards.
Brentford absorbed the early pressure and began to challenge Newcastle, seeking their sixth consecutive away victory.
Bryan Mbeumo shot wide, and Kieran Trippier cleared Mbeumo`s cross, preventing Kevin Schade from heading in.
Harvey Barnes also attempted a shot from the left, but it missed the far post.
Fabian Schar`s powerful shot was deflected off Isak as Newcastle looked for a breakthrough before halftime.
Isak appeared to set up Barnes for a goal just before halftime, but Barnes was offside.
However, shortly after halftime, Isak scored. He capitalized on a slip by Mbeumo to convert Murphy`s cross, scoring his 24th goal of the season.
Barnes shot wide after halftime, and Murphy`s hesitated shot was blocked. Brentford then countered.
Bruno Guimaraes blocked a shot as Newcastle struggled to clear, and eventually, they conceded a penalty when Nick Pope fouled Yoane Wissa.
Mbeumo converted the penalty, sending Pope the wrong way.
Newcastle responded by substituting Isak and Murphy for Callum Wilson and Joe Willock, but Brentford almost took the lead when Ethan Pinnock`s header hit the post.
Just as Newcastle seemed to falter, Tonali scored the decisive goal.
Barnes passed to Tonali on the right wing, who then unleashed a powerful shot into the near post, beating Flekken.
In additional time, Brentford`s Mikkel Damsgaard missed a final chance, shooting high. A late penalty appeal for Brentford was dismissed, securing Newcastle`s victory.
