Newcastle United

Image source, Getty Images

Former Newcastle defender John Anderson says Sandro Tonali put in a "complete midfield performance" in their 2-1 win over Brentford.

Anderson told BBC Newcastle's Total Sport: "He was brilliant. He was everywhere. He did everything. It was just a complete midfield performance. He passed it well, he tackled, he chased back and he was strong on the ball.

"It was always going to be a difficult game, Brentford had won their past five away. They weren't going to come here and lie down.

"I thought we were the better side in the first half and to score right on half-time was a big bonus for us but full credit to Brentford - they came out and had a right go in the second half.

"I don't think anyone can complain about the penalty, dispatched well. Up to that point, they were the better side and you were starting to get a bit worried at that stage.

"But goals change games and that's exactly what Tonali's strike did."

Listen to the post-match reaction in full

Highlights and analysis from nine midweek Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Arsenal 2-1 Fulham

• Nottingham Forest 1-0 Man Utd

• Liverpool 1-0 Everton

• Newcastle 2-1 Brentford

Newcastle will renew their interest in Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi, 24, in the summer. (GiveMeSport), external

The Magpies are also showing interest in Como's 19-year-old Senegal winger Assane Diao, who has caught the eye of Manchester United and Liverpool. (Caught Offside), external

Finally, Juventus want to sign Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, with the Serie A side valuing the 24-year-old at about £70m. (Gazzetta - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It wasn't pretty. I don't think we played as well as we did against Liverpool.

"Tonali has a thunderbolt of a strike when he does go for goal. I am mightily relieved to see it hit the net.

"Always after the international break the games are different. We had players in different physical moments and we looked to have picked up a few minor injuries but hopefully nothing to keep anyone out of the next game.

"We are relieved to come through with the three points."

Image source, Getty Images

Jacob Murphy (seven assists) and Alexander Isak (one assist) have combined for eight Premier League goals this season - more than any other duo. While only Andrew Cole and Peter Beardsley have ever combined for more goals in a single campaign in the competition for Newcastle (nine in 1993-94).

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

It was all about the result as far as Newcastle were concerned - and Eddie Howe's side delivered as they marked their return to the Premier League stage with a win following their Carabao Cup triumph.

In their first game since ending a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy, the Magpies ensured they stayed in the hunt for the Champions League after dispatching Brentford.

They weren't at their fluent best and there was a major debate as to whether Sandro Tonali's winner was a cross or a shot.

In the grand scheme of things, it didn't matter one jot.

Newcastle had the points and the tens of thousands of fans who turned up at St James' Park decked out in black and white Wembley souvenirs went home happy.

It is imperative the Toon kick-on after their League Cup triumph. That starts with finishing this season strongly and qualifying for a place at European football's top table.

After losing 2-0 against Manchester United in the final of the 2022-23 Carabao Cup, Newcastle won nine of their remaining 15 Premier League games to secure fourth spot.

Will they end this season with a similar flourish?

The signs look good judging by Wednesday's evidence.

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, speaking to Premier League Productions: "The start of the second half was tough and Brentford pushed but we are a solid team as well and we had a good reaction.

"This win is nice for the Champions League for us, we have a good week and it is perfect for this week."

On whether he meant his goal: "Honestly, it was 70% cross and 30% shot. It was difficult for the goalkeeper and difficult also for me. Also a little bit of luck."

On Alexander Isak scoring again: "I am happy for him because Alex is a great striker and maybe one of the best in the world now. I think he scores every game. We work for him because when Alex scores, very often we win the game. We are happy. I think Alex now is the best in the world."

On the season's ambitions: "Now we play only for the first five teams, for the Champions League. It is a little bit tough but we are lucky because there are five teams in the Champions League this season. The team is a little bit free so it is much better for me and for the fans. Now we have nine finals to get back into the Champions League.

"I think I am happy for the trophy for these fans because these fans deserve it. Every game we have 52,000 people in the stadium and this is amazing for football. I am so happy to play every game in this stadium and with these fans it is amazing."

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Newcastle's performance

What did you make of Brentford's display?

Come back to this page on Thursday to find a selection of your replies

Six matches make up Wednesday's Premier League action and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.

• Bournemouth v Ipswich

• Brighton v Aston Villa

• Man City v Leicester City

• Newcastle v Brentford - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Southampton v Crystal Palace

• Liverpool v Everton (20:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

All kick-off times 19:45 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Image source, Getty Images

Former Newcastle defender John Anderson says he would have "no hesitation" in offering Kieran Trippier a new deal this summer.

Trippier's contract expires at the end of next season but the 34-year-old has been linked with a move away from St James' Park before he is available to leave on a free transfer.

"Trippier is huge for Newcastle," Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle. "The experience he's got at international level, the move to Spain with Atletico Madrid, playing Champions League football - all that comes through.

"He's talking to people all the time. He's pulling players into areas. He's dragging people around the pitch. That's the way he does it - he's just a good talker. There's nothing aggressive about it - some players just need that and he does it great.

"It will be interesting to see what the club do with him in the summer. I would have no hesitation at all in giving Trippier a new contract.

"It will be down to the player because he may well feel now that he's played in the cup final and was exceptional but, at the start of next season, [Tino] Livramento and [Lewis] Hall will be the two who start at full-back.

"He has decisions to make about what he wants."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Have Newcastle stopped celebrating yet? They have been on the lash for a long time after winning the Carabao Cup, culminating - for some of their fans anyway - with their trophy parade on Saturday. I am sure the players have sunk a few too.

It showed how much the club's success means to the city, but now they have to focus on the rest of the season, because getting back into the Champions League would be massive for what comes next for Eddie Howe's side, and how they are viewed across Europe.

There will be a fantastic atmosphere at this game too, but the danger with that is we know Brentford are capable of spoiling anyone's party with their attacking threat.

Howe has tried to address that by speaking about the need to finish the campaign strongly, and this is a great example of where his side cannot afford to take their eye off the ball.

I suspect they will come out of the traps very quickly against Brentford, lifted by the crowd, and go a couple of goals up before the weekend starts to take its toll on them and the fans too.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Image source, Getty Images

Brentford have won their past five Premier League away games - the longest winning run on the road by any side in 2024-25. Only one side has won six successive away games in which they began the day outside of the top 10 in the competition - Arsenal from December 2020 to May 2021.

Excluding own goals, Brentford have scored from their first shot of a match nine times in the Premier League this season - the most of any side. Meanwhile, Newcastle have conceded the first shot they have faced nine times - also a league-high figure.

Newcastle remain interested in a summer deal for Burnley's 22-year-old English goalkeeper James Trafford. (Sky Sports), external

Along with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, the Magpies are keen on Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic, with the 25-year-old set to leave Juventus this summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport- in Italian), external

Newcastle are also plotting a surprise move for Liverpool's 21-year-old English midfielder Harvey Elliott. (Teamtalk), external

At the back, Newcastle, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest are among the clubs interested in Roma's 25-year-old Ivory Coast defender Evan Ndicka, who is rated at 40m euros (£33.4m). (Caught Offside), external

Brighton have put £100m price tags on 23-year-old Brazil forward Joao Pedro and 21-year-old Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba to fend off interest from Newcastle, Liverpool and Chelsea. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart believes Newcastle fans should not "calm down" after winning the Carabao Cup.

Newcastle beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley on 16 March to win their first trophy in 70 years.

"I think because of the lack of dominance from the 'big clubs', everyone is getting opportunities, earning opportunities and doing so well", Hart told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"I have played at that level and you really have to earn your trophies - but this year especially feels wild."

"There will be a lot of haters looking at that Newcastle celebration saying: You won the League Cup, calm down.' No, absolutely not. It was an incredible moment for that city and that football club."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Journalist John Gibson joined BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport Newcastle United podcast to discuss the side's summer transfer window, arguing that the club must look to refresh the squad despite winning the Carabao Cup two weeks ago.

"As harsh as it might be because we've just won a trophy, facts are facts," said Gibson. "We need a deeper squad, we need a right-sided centre-half, an outside right, a goalkeeper and a centre-forward to support [Alexander] Isak.

"Good clubs don't stand still - they buy from strength. If you stand still, you are actually going backwards."

Newcastle have already secured a route into Europe for next season, earning a Conference League play-off spot with their triumph at Wembley.

However, they could yet earn a place in the group stage of the Europa League or the Champions League through their final Premier League position.

Gibson added: "People like Isak, Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton and Gordon will want to stay with the initial reaction to what happened at Wembley. Let's give them more reasons to want to stay."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

OK! The fun's over and it's back to business!

Even though it definitely feels like the season should be finished because we have won a cup and all got horrible coughs and colds from celebrating for two weeks straight (or, at least, I very much have) the season is in fact still rumbling on. Ten games to go! Ten games to battle for a Champions League place.

I was recently told that (apparently) in the 1980s, when Liverpool kept winning things, someone would come round with a bag and have the players put their medals into the bag. I do not know how true that is, but I understand the mentality. Celebrate later - we have a job to do right now.

We have not quite followed that ethos (see: 300,000 fans lining the streets to honour our team) but it is time to get back to regular scheduled programming.

I can imagine that is Eddie Howe's mentality going into the final 10 games. He knows, we know, the players know, that Champions League football is the goal. It is an interesting balance; let the players celebrate - first in Dubai in the international break, second in Newcastle - but then get their heads back in the game.

Elite players like Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali have already expressed how important it is for us to secure Champions League football next season, and the challenge is not beyond us.

We have Brentford at home, our first game since winning the Carabao Cup, on Wednesday. You have to assume that the goodwill and the noise of the crowd will boost the team through that fixture.

After that, as always, it is time to set our minds on the next one. There are no additional fixtures to worry about, only the Premier League. I know that it is time to refocus and finish the season strong. The feeling in the city is amazing right now. Let's keep that going.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external

Tyrese King
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Brentford at St James' Park (kick-off 19:45 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On how the international break impacted match preparations: "We tried to do a lot of work in between. We trained really hard in Dubai and now that the group is back together we have tried to focus on the future, the next game."

• Howe reflecting on Carabao Cup win: "The Liverpool game was a great performance, but we want to be consistent with our performances."

• On the open-top bus parade: "An amazing day - still some vivid memories of it. A massive thank you to everybody who turned up - as it was cold! Not everyone could get to Wembley and we know football is expensive to either to travel or to buy tickets for games. It shows the power football possesses. It can change people's mood, can change the city's mood, and I just think it was a great day for everyone connected in Newcastle."

• Howe said defender Sven Botman is "not too bad" after a minor knee operation and is expected back in May.

• Winger Anthony Gordon is now "up and running" after pulling out of the England squad with "bruising on his thigh" and is expected to be back training with the group within the next few days.

• Howe "does not know" whether Jamal Lascelles will return before the end of the season but the defender has started to take "very small steps" in light training.

• The Magpies boss expects centre-back Fabian Schar to sign a new contract "immediately if he hasn't already".

• On Brentford: "We played them in the Carabao Cup so we know their strengths. Thomas [Frank] has done an incredible job. They are very good at set-plays, and their away form has really turned around. They are a really high-scoring team as well, so it should be a good game."

• On Newcastle's ambitions for Champions League qualification: "There is no doubting the power of Champions League football. It can be game-changing in terms of revenue - the competition itself and the changes you have to make to be ready for the competition, as we found out to our cost to some degree last year."

• He added: "Qualifying for that is going to be very difficult. There are 10 games left and a lot of teams are playing for those places. It's one of the tightest Premier Leagues we have seen a while, with not a lot separating us."

Listen to more from Howe on BBC Sounds

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra commentary of Newcastle v Brentford at 19:45 on Wednesday

Follow all of Tuesday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Some 31 of the past 36 FA Cups have been won by one of five teams - but only one of those remains in this season's competition, and that is Manchester City.

Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea were all knocked out before the quarter-final stage this season and that has opened the door to other clubs to have a chance at getting their hands on the trophy.

"The cup used to be a lot more democratic and dominance of the cup used to be unthinkable," said New York Times chief football correspondent Rory Smith on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "That is unhealthy and it gets boring.

"It takes away a lot of the magic because if you go to seven semi-finals in seven years it takes the shine off.

"But most people don't support those clubs and they support other teams, so Newcastle have been a great advert to why other teams should be going all in for those tournaments."

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton added: "Newcastle's win will change the perception of the competitions that have almost felt second in importance to most Premier League teams."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Arsenal are considering Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike as an alternative target to Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. (Mirror), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

The memories of Newcastle's Carabao Cup win and Saturday's victory parade will live long.

So as Newcastle prepare to return to Premier League action on Wednesday against Brentford, here's one final video to enjoy...