Sandro Tonali has answered the question on the lips of everybody who watched Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Brentford: did he really mean to score that goal?
The Italian beat Mark Flekken at his near post after shooting close to the right corner flag, roughly parallel with the six-yard box.
It caused widespread disbelief around St James’ Park and proved to be the winner as Newcastle climbed to fifth in the Premier League.
The goal has been termed by some, including the Premier League’s official X account for the USA, as ‘impossible’.
So, was it a shot or a cross?
‘Honestly, it was 70 per cent cross and 30 per cent shot,’ Tonali told Premier League Productions.
Sandro Tonali has admitted that his wondergoal against Brentford was ’70 per cent cross’
The Newcastle midfielder struck from an ‘impossible’ angle to give Newcastle a 2-1 win
He later admitted that he had ‘a little bit of luck,’ though many were convinced it was a shot
‘It was difficult for the goalkeeper and difficult also for me. Also a little bit of luck.’
Jay Boothroyd was left flabbergasted when asked to describe the goal on Sky Sports’ live goals show.
‘How can I describe this? I don’t even know how to, it was that good!
‘He’s literally in line with the six-yard box. He’s pinged it with his laces into the near post and he’s definitely meant it as well.
‘He’s definitely meant that. We’re talking about a player who has technique in abundance. That is such a great goal. he’s meant that all day.
‘I’m sorry, I couldn’t believe he did that.’
Newcastle needed a goal from somewhere, having been pegged back by the visitors.
Alexander Isak had given Newcastle the lead on the stroke of half-time, but when Nick Pope brought down Yoane Wissa partway through the second half, Brentford had a chance to get back in the game.
Bryan Mbeumo took the chance from the spot, hitting his 16th goal of the Premier League season, and giving Brentford a shot at continuing their exceptional away from.
The Bees had won their previous five Premier League away games, but Tonali came up trumps at the right time with his fourth goal of the season, and Toon held on from there.
