Tonali on target from touchline to keep Newcastle party going

If Newcastle's rivals for a Champions League place had hoped Eddie Howe's players might be partied out after ending that 70-year domestic trophy drought, they were destined for disappointment.

- Louise Taylor

Howe's team were not at their very best but, thanks to the most eye-catching of winning goals from Sandro Tonali, they found a way to defuse Brentford's ever-present threat.

While defeat was arguably a little harsh on Thomas Frank's side, it lifted Newcastle to fifth, one point ahead of Chelsea who host Tottenham tonight. With nine games remaining a Grand Tour of Europe beckons for Howe and his Wembley history boys.

Newcastle may have been newly minted Carabao Cup winners but they were up against a Brentford side aiming to extend a run of five straight away wins.

The attendant confidence perhaps explains why Frank's players remained largely unfazed as Newcastle began brightly, stretching their visitors down both wings and nearly taking an early lead when Alexander Isak directed a header narrowly wide.

Yet if Isak, who subsequently lifted a shot over the crossbar, looked in menacing mood, Brentford threatened on the break. Indeed it was soon easy to appreciate why Frank's right winger, Bryan Mbeumo, ranks so highly on Howe's summer shopping list.