Sandro Tonali answered the noise in the only way that really counts on 15 February 2026, scoring twice as Newcastle United swept past Aston Villa to reach the FA Cup fifth round.
The Italian midfielder, operating in the absence of Bruno Guimaraes, produced two superb long-range strikes to send St James’ Park into full voice and reignite discussion around his role under Eddie Howe. Recent speculation about his future, including comments from his agent about holding talks with club chiefs, had intensified scrutiny. On the pitch, though, Tonali delivered his clearest response yet.
Tonali addresses Eddie Howe relationship after FA Cup brace
After celebrating his second goal directly with Howe, Tonali made his position clear in an interview with NUFC TV.
“After the second goal, I came to Eddie because in the past week, people spoke a lot about our relationship. I work every day with the gaffer, the gaffer works every day with me. Our relationship is perfect, it is not broken. We try to do the best for this team.” — Sandro Tonali
It was a pointed message. Having followed Newcastle closely this season, it has been evident that Tonali’s form dipped after a strong start, particularly in matches where Bruno Guimaraes dictated tempo. Against Villa, however, he took greater responsibility in possession and showed the authority supporters have been waiting to see again.
His brace also ended a 14-game personal drought in front of goal, something he acknowledged post-match.
“For me, it’s my first two goals of the season. Every time you score, your day is different. I’m happy because I tried to score for the last two months. The first thing that is almost most important is the team. I’m pleased especially for Nick because he played in midfield and did very well. It was tough for him, totally different, and he scored the last goal.” — Sandro Tonali
Nick Woltemade, deployed deeper than usual, also found the net, capping a dominant midfield display.
Eddie Howe’s response to Tonali performance
Howe, speaking to reporters after the match, stressed that performances must do the talking.
“I think the only way Sandro can answer any question on his performance is on the pitch, and today he responded really well. We needed players to step up in Bruno's absence, we needed the creativity gap that Bruno will leave filled, we needed the passion that Bruno shows on the pitch filled and I thought all three midfielders did that. Sandro's got two goals, Nick's got a goal, so our midfield contributed massively and I'm really pleased with everybody, we're going to need that in his absence throughout the time that he's out.”
The manager’s words underline the broader context: Newcastle must adapt without one of their most influential players.
Key Insights
- Tonali scored twice in Newcastle’s FA Cup win over Aston Villa on 15 February 2026.
- He publicly described his relationship with Eddie Howe as “perfect”.
- The brace ended a 14-game goal drought.
- Newcastle’s midfield stepped up in Bruno Guimaraes’ absence.
- Howe emphasised the need for collective responsibility moving forward.
What’s Next
Newcastle now await confirmation of their FA Cup fifth-round opponents as they continue their push to return to Wembley later this season. Attention quickly turns back to Premier League duties, where squad balance will be tested during Bruno Guimaraes’ absence.
Much will depend on how consistently Tonali can replicate this level of influence in upcoming fixtures. If he sustains this form, questions about his future are likely to quieten, at least in the short term.
Was this the night Tonali reset his Newcastle story, or just a brief reminder of his potential?
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