Tonali two games away from first Newcastle trophy after individual EFL Cup award | OneFootball

Italy international Sandro Tonali is now just two games away from lifting his first piece of silverware as a Newcastle United player after helping his side to a 2-0 win away against Arsenal on Tuesday night, which came just a few days after he received the Player of the Round award for his role in the quarter-finals.

Newcastle rose to a 2-0 win away against Arsenal at The Emirates Stadium in the EFL Cup semi-final on Tuesday night. The semis are a two-legged affair, so Tonali and his teammates will welcome Mikel Arteta’s side to St James’ Park for a second instalment on February 5.

Tonali continues to impress for Newcastle in EFL Cup

Though Tonali was not on the scoresheet in the first leg against Arsenal, he earned rave reviews from the British press for his role in the victory.

MailOnline dubbed him the ‘conductor’ of the Newcastle team, and praised him for his calmness on the ball, while the Northern Echo claimed he ‘outplayed’ both England international Declan Rice and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.

Declan Rice of Arsenal runs for the ball under pressure from Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 07, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Most outlets rated Tonali’s performance around the 8/10 mark, while others went as high as 9.5.

Tonali has excelled in the EFL Cup this season, having provided an assist in a 2-0 win over Chelsea earlier in the campaign, before a brace against Brentford in 3-1 quarter-final over Brentford, which earned him the Player of the Round award.

Newcastle will have to play Arsenal again at home next month, albeit with a two-goal advantage, before a final in March against either Tottenham or Liverpool.