Sandro Tonali scored a stunning goal for Newcastle United against Brentford on Wednesday evening – his strike even had fans saying the 2025 Puskas award was secured.
Tonali, 24, secured Newcastle all three points with a Puskas-worthy strike on the 74-minute mark at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening.
The match marked the Magpies’ first fixture since they won their first major trophy in 70 years having beaten Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final ahead of the March international break.
But first, it wouldn’t have been a Newcastle match without Alexander Isak’s almost customary goal, which opened the scoring on the stroke of half time.
However, Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo scored a penalty on 66 minutes, but just eight minutes later Tonali scored a goal worthy of winning any game of football match – which you can watch below – to secure a 2-1 win for Eddie Howe‘s side.
“Where on Earth did that come from?” said former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“The angle that Tonali shot that from, you have no right to score from there.
“99.9% of times that’s a cross but he has pinged it in. I can’t promise he meant it but that is some goal.”
Fans on social media were stunned by the strike but some questioned whether he meant it given the angle.
One said: “Tonali hit that far too hard and straight to not have meant it, what a player.”
Another added: “It’s impossible he’s trying to cross here with that technique and power. Insane finish if Tonali meant it!”
While a third commented: “100% Tonali went for that!! One of the best goals I’ve seen!”
As a fourth exclaimed: “Tonali’s just scored a Puskas winner out of absolutely nothing.”
A fifth claimed: “Sorry but that’s a blatant cross.”
Sandro Tonali’s take on goal vs Brentford
It didn’t take long for Tonali to reveal whether he meant his goal.
“Honestly, it was 70% cross and 30% shot,” he said when speaking to Premier League Productions after full-time.
“It was difficult for the goalkeeper and difficult also for me. Also a little bit of luck.”
“I think I am happy for the trophy for these fans because these fans deserve it,” the Italian added. “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.”
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports
Topics: Sandro Tonali, Newcastle United, Brentford, Alexander Isak, Premier League