Newcastle United returned to Premier League business in style with a 2-1 win over Brentford at St James’ Park.

In their first game after winning the Carabao Cup at Wembley, goals from Alexander Isak ensured a hard-fought three points for the Magpies.

Eddie Howe’s side – and the fanbase – enjoyed a barnstorming parade celebration over the weekend, as 300,000 fans flocked to both events in the city centre and at the Town Moor.

However, Howe demanded full focus as United go in search of a Champions League finish.

United were without the likes of Anthony Gordon, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall but the tight-knit squad battled through a tough game against Thomas Frank’s men.

Isak opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time but Brentford levelled through Newcastle target Bryan Mbeumo who converted a penalty.

It was Tonali, the subject of mad speculation in the Italian press on the morning of the game, who grabbed the winner, however, with a spectacular cross-shot.

The result sends Newcastle up to fifth in the table.

Relive all the match coverage and post-game analysis in our blog below.21:56Aaron StokesThe match verdictWhy Sandro Tonali’s unbelievable moment could earn Newcastle United MILLIONS!Read hereNewcastle United’s Sandro Tonali (centre) celebrates scoring their side’s second goal 21:55Aaron StokesPlayer ratings!Some very high scores! Check them out hereSandro Tonali scores for Newcastle United (Image: Sandro Tonali scores for Newcastle United)21:42KEY EVENTFULL-TIME! Newcastle 2-1 Brentford!Cup hangover? What cup hangover? A hard-fought and gritty win for the Magpies, who return to Premier League action in fine style.

Isak in the first-half and Tonali in the second with a remarkable winner after Mbeumo’s penalty.

GET IN! 21:39Aaron StokesBrentford corner.

The goalkeerper is up.21:38Aaron StokesPope saves!Schade races through, Burn stretches to block his shot but it reaches Pope, who has to deal with it with his legs.

Schar clears the follow up.

Nervy times.21:37Aaron StokesNow Willock is deniedThe midfielder drives in to the box, holds off Ajer and fires at Flekken.

Well held.Brentford go up the other end and Damsgaard fires over the bar with the goal gaping! A big, big let off!21:35Aaron StokesBarnes goes close!He wants his goal! The winger flashes one at goal and wins a corner despite Willock screaming for the ball.Bruno slowly going over to take the corner.

Tindall’s also just been booked.21:34Aaron StokesStoppage time…EIGHT minutes……21:33Aaron StokesA late change Trippier OFF, Krafth ON.Stoppage time on the way….21:22Aaron StokesSchade is a lucky boyCollins is absolutely clattered by Willock when clearing the ball inside his own six yard box.

Both men down after a nasty clash of heads.

But that headed clearance had only reached Bruno on the edge of the box as he was pushed to the ground by Schade.

Referee Peter Bankes stops the game for the earlier clash and Brentford escape.78 minutes played – 2-1.21:19Aaron StokesHe did NOT mean that – but who cares!What a bizarre goal – but Newcastle fans don’t care as “Sandro, Ole Ole!” blares around St James’ Park.

Barnes lays the ball off for Tonali, who is near the corner flag, and he sends a fierce cross into the box from the right but catches Flekken off guard and the ball sails straight into the net!2-1!21:17KEY EVENTGOAAAAAL! TONALI!NEWCASTLE LEAD AGAIN! 21:13Aaron StokesSchar bookedThe defender flies into a challenge from behind and Wissa hits the deck.

Yellow for the centre-back.21:11Aaron StokesBrentford denied by the postPinnock’s header looks to be flying in but it’s off the woodwork and Newcastle survive.

The away side feel like they can go and snatch this game now.

21:11Aaron StokesNewcastle can have no complaintsPope rushes out to claim Mbeumo’s looped ball over the top and Wissa beats him to it, trying to go around him.

He committed and lost the race.21:09Aaron StokesDouble Newcastle changeMurphy and Isak OFF.Willock and Wilson ON.

21:09Aaron Stokes1-1.

Mbeumo scores.The attacker sends Pope the wrong way and the scores are level.Howe looking to the bench.21:08Aaron StokesMbeumo to take itBoos from the home fans as Mbeumo steps up.

21:07Aaron StokesBrentford penaltyPope fouls Wissa and Bankes points to the spot.VAR checking offside.21:07Aaron StokesThe game has woken upAnd both sides have been denied.

First, Murphy’s relentless running sees him pinch the ball off Janelt, before he takes the wrong option and tries to shoot instead of teeing up Isak.

He finally chips a follow up ball across but Barnes’ volley is hit into the ground.

Brentford go up the other end and three of their stars are denied by big blocks.21:05Aaron StokesGame has gone a bit staleBut Newcastle have just been sent a reminder of Brentford’s quality with Mbeumo playing a cute ball through the channels for Van den Berg to chase and then cross into the box.Livramento deals with the danger and Newcastle’s lead remains intact.

62 minutes played.

Little action so far this half.21:01Lee RyderJoelinton getting on with itThe Brazilian has shrugged off what looked like an injury scare.

Although, there have been some nervous glances across to the bench.

20:53Aaron StokesGood play by BarnesThe winger breaks down the left, cuts inside and finds Isak with a low, driven pass.

The striker tries to get the ball out of his feet by Schade does well to stick to his defensive duties, racing back to win the ball back in the box.

Newcastle showing plenty of intent inside the first five minutes of the second period.20:50Aaron StokesBarnes has a pop……

and almost starts the second half in perfect fashion.

He sends a shot wide from the edge of the area and his appeals for a corner are waved away.20:49Aaron StokesUnder way once againWe’re playing at St James’ Park as Newcastle lead 1-0.

Big 45 minutes coming up!20:44Aaron StokesIsak does it againWho else was going to open the scoring?— The Chronicle (@ChronicleNUFC) April 2, 2025 20:34Ciaran KellyThat could prove a huge goalNewcastle United players walk off the field to the refrain of ‘Who put the ball in the Mackem net?’ at half-time.

A huge goal from Alexander Isak who, eventually, found a way through after his earlier misses.

Newcastle up to fifth place as it stands.

Big second half ahead..20:33Aaron StokesNewcastle have the lead just before the breakNewcastle’s move starts at left-back with Tino, moves into midfield, Bruno switches play to Murphy and it’s put on a plate for Isak.

He can’t miss this one.

The Swede bundles the ball home from close range after a super cross.

That’s half-time.

Newcastle, finally, have the lead! 1-0!20:33Lee RyderFirst half ratings The scores on the doors from the first 45 minutes.

Nick Pope 7 Looks focused enough.

Organising his back four well.

Kieran Trippier 7Sharp and intense.

Fabian Schar 7Composed.

Dan Burn 7Some key tackles.

Tino Livramento 8One lovely cross for Isak.

Growing back into left-back slot.

Joelinton 7Getting stuck in.

Bruno Guimaraes 8Opened up the pitch with fine ball in build-up to Isak goal.

Sandro Tonali 8Sparkling stuff so far.

What an engine he has.Jacob Murphy 7Got there in the end with fine cross for Isak.

Harvey Barnes 6A couple of glimpses.

One chalked off for offside.

Alexander Isak 7Two big misses by his standards.

But typically makes up for it.20:32KEY EVENTGOAAAAAAAL! ISAK! NEWCASTLE LEAD – AND THIS ONE WILL COUNT!