'Tis the season for Newcastle Unitedwho are flying high during the holiday period and continue their hot streak with a landslide victory over Aston Villa in Premier League.
It's been an imperfect season, however Eddie HowePortugal have shown character and quality in equal measure during these crucial final weeks, redirecting themselves at a point that could have spelled disaster, had fortunes not changed.
Brentford were sent to the Carabao Cup, while Ipswich Town and Leicester City were drawn into two top-flight ties before that. Unai EmeryThe side made the trip to Tyneside.
Newcastle's best players against Villa
Since PIF's arrival, Newcastle have sought to raise their profile in world football. They were great and enjoyed some upside, but PSR has held back progress in 2024.
However, skillful decision making has witnessed the likes of Bruno Guimarães, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isaac I stay at St James' Park at the expense of prospects Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh.
With emphatic performances like this against Villa, it looks like a brilliant move. Isaac and Gordon scored twice, while Guimaraes' insane goal was disallowed after VAR intervention.
It was comprehensive and erudite. The Magpies were helped by John Doran's red card on the half-hour mark, but they also had a one-goal lead to their advantage at that point.
The fluency and smoothness of the display comes from one centerpiece in particular. actually, Sandro Tonali He thrives in a deep midfield position and was Howe's unsung hero this afternoon.
The return of Sandro Tonali continues
Tonali has made steady strides up the Newcastle ladder this season, after spending most of last year suspended for betting breaches.
The acquisition is worth £55 million From Milan now Complete 19 matches This season, he has scored twice and assisted two more, and although his efforts against the Villains were not the most scintillating, he has proven to be a key part of Newcastle's new-look system.
The Chronicle Live Lee Ryder I think so, noting that the Italian “sparkles like a festive wine.” Tonali was praised for his ballplay and leadership in the engine room, charging Howe's side and allowing those like the rampant Joelinton to find the space and safety to wreak havoc.
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Sandro Tonali – Statistics vs. Aston Villa (12/26/24) |
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|---|---|
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Match statistics |
# |
|
Minutes played |
90' |
|
Objectives |
0 |
|
Helps |
0 |
|
Touches |
89 |
|
Passing accuracy |
64/74 (86%) |
|
Key passes |
1 |
|
Quirks (completed) |
0 (0) |
|
Interventions + interceptions |
3 |
|
Total duels (won) |
9 (6) |
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Statistics via SofaScore |
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Statistical data as an individual entity can be misleading. Tonali's fit metrics seem to present an average and uninspiring picture, but an eye test reveals a lot. He was the glue in the middle that made everything tick.
Sky Sports Keith Downey He even praised the Italian's influence in the deeper, more dominant role, saying: “Tonali in sixth (sic) has changed the whole dynamic of the team.”
May it last long. Tonali's elegance is combined with a combative and tenacious side that speaks to his long-term success in the Premier League.
Interest in the 25-year-old is growing; Newcastle have them I reluctantly looked into selling Tonali not too far away To calm the latest PSR epidemic.
Whether it will happen is another matter entirely. But if Tonali continues to produce such impressive results, the savvy and potential of Newcastle's transfer team could be put to use.
Because, come on now, he certainly couldn't be allowed to play elsewhere.
