Sandro Tonali stunner seals significant win for Newcastle United at home to Brentford

Newcastle United never like to do things the easy way, that's for sure, but what matters at the end of the day is that the Magpies came away with a massive three points tonight.

In truth, the 2-1 scoreline, much like Liverpool two weeks earlier, flatters Newcastle's opponents somewhat as the Magpies had plenty of chances to run away with the game.

A few lapses in concentration did allow Brentford into the game a few times but they weren't able to craft any clear cut chances and needed a penalty to get on the scoresheet.

Whereas Newcastle created plenty of goalscoring opportunities but couldn't convert for some strange reason.

Alexander Isak put Newcastle ahead on the stroke of half time

Newcastle had the ball in the back of the net via the head of Harvey Barnes on 45 minutes but it was rightfully ruled out for offside after Alexander Isak bafflingly opted to cross rather than shoot after doing all the hard work in the box.

However, much like at Wembley, the VAR offside ruling didn't keep Newcastle down for long and one minute later, Alexander Isak tucked the ball away from yet another Jacob Murphy assist right on the stroke of half time.

As is typical of Newcastle, though, they came out for the second half still a bit sleepy, allowing Brentford into the game.

Sandro Tonali's rocket was worthy of winning any game

On 65 minutes, Nick Pope brought down Yoan Wissa in the six-yard box with the referee wasting no time in pointing to the spot where Newcastle target Bryan Mbeumo coolly slotted beyond Pope.

Joe Willock and Callum Wilson replaced Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak who had both wasted gilt-edged chances. Isak seemingly afraid to shoot while Murphy was too eager to do so.

It was then left to Sandro Tonali to take matters into his own hands with a wild finish from a tight angle. At first, it looked like it was a spooned cross that caught Mark Flekken off guard, but replays seemed to suggest that it was a deliberate shot from the Italian.

The number eight hit the ball straight as an arrow with venom and the only deflection it took was from Flekken's hand as he desperately pawed at the ball. An absolute stunner worthy of winning any game.

Newcastle march on and keep up the pace for Champions League qualification, leapfrogging Chelsea into fifth place with the Blues in action tomorrow evening.