Howe ‘reluctant’ to bring on Tonali in Newcastle win but ‘needed his legs’ | OneFootball

Newcastle coach Eddie Howe admitted he was ‘reluctant’ to bring on Sandro Tonali for the final 20 minutes of their thrilling 4-3 victory over Nottingham Forest, but felt the team ‘needed his legs’ at that moment of the match.

The Italy international was left out of the Magpies’ starting XI due to a hamstring injury that had forced him to miss some training sessions during the week, leading his manager to rest him as a precaution.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 18: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Newcastle United and Brentford at St James’ Park on December 18, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Why Howe was ‘reluctant’ to bring on Tonali in Newcastle’s win over Forest

The midfielder was likely set for a full day on the bench with his side leading 4-1 at halftime, but Forest’s second goal of the afternoon made Howe fear the game could spiral out of control, prompting him to bring on Tonali in the 70th minute.

The visitors still managed to scare Newcastle by scoring a late third goal with the Italian on the pitch, but the Magpies ultimately held on to secure a win that put them level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City.

Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United scores his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United FC at St Mary’s Stadium on January 25, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

“He had a hamstring problem in the week, he missed a couple of days training,” Howe said at a post-match press conference speaking about Tonali.

“I didn’t really want to risk him today but with the second half as it was we felt we needed his legs in midfield.

“He said he felt OK to play. It was a reluctant sub but I thought he did OK when he came on and touch wood he’s OK.”

Tonali was kept on the bench after 10 consecutive Premier League starts, playing the full 90 minutes on every occasion.