Newcastle United were rampant as they put Leicester City to the sword with a St James’s Park thrashing on Saturday – offering proof that Eddie Howe has found his best midfield
Sandro Tonali was linked with a move back to Juventus last week – but ended it proving he CAN thrive at St James’s Park
Perhaps the greatest puzzle Eddie Howe has to crack this season is how to get the best out of his Italian international. The problem has been fitting Tonali into the side along fellow Alpha-midfielder and club skipper Bruno Guimaraes.
It was starting to become a conundrum reminiscent of the Steven Gerrard – Frank Lampard England debate. Could Tonali and Bruno thrive alongside each other? The jury has been out. The usual set up, Bruno in the middle, and Tonali shunted out to the right side, had not clicked.
But evidence is emerging that a shape that unlocks the potential of both star men is possible.
Howe moved Tonali into a central deep lying role against Leicester, and he ran the show. He broke up play, read the game beautifully and shielded the defence. Importantly his ball playing skills were also evident. Clever short balls, play-switching longer range passes and the kind of forceful, yet nimble, display that Howe has been craving since he persuaded him to move to Tyneside, and then had to endure a lengthy ban for betting last season.
Tonali has 88 touches, 65 out of 72 passes found their man and he made 11 ball recoveries. As Newcastle evolve, and yes, sell players to regenerate the squad, Tonali is a gem to polish and build around.
Howe said: “I have no plans on losing him. He is a vital part of us. I have been pleased with him and we have a strong relationship. He is improving in all aspects. The ban was difficult because he was training but couldn’t learn from games. Now he is getting matches and we are seeing improvements.”
Patience is being rewarded. Howe’s, and that of the Newcastle crowd. Guimaraes also benefited from the freedom to push forward, and got his first goal of the season, a header.
If Manchester City do end up pushing ahead with their interest in the Samba international, Tonali is showing he can take charge in the middle. If not, they can thrive as a duo. Newcastle destroyed Leicester who defended poorly and were sloppy with the ball. Jacob Murphy looked a powerful weapon, netting twice, and Alexander Isak made it seven goals in nine club games.
Too early to conclude Newcastle are back at it, said Howe, who is trying to iron out the bumps in a season of inconsistency. That will be helped by reaching a second semi final in three years by beating Brentford on Wednesday.
Leicester are on a journey with new boss Ruud Van Nistelrooy, and will have to improve to avoid relegation.
Van Nistelrooy said: “We got four points from three games. Take the positive and negative from our three games and it is enough of a foundation to build for the coming games. Every game we can make progress, every training session. Get our style of play as we want. Every game is the most important one.
“Yes it was a difficult afternoon, correct. We know St James’ Park can ignite and will be intense. Their players are strong, in pressing and counter attacks. We defended badly. We weren’t structured enough.”
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