Newcastle United came from behind as goals from red-hot Alexander Isak and Joelinton helped deliver a 2-1 win over hosts Brentford on Saturday in the second of a three-match run away from St. James’ Park.
The Magpies didn’t hit the heights of its 5-1 smashing of West Ham on Wednesday, but they have now scored consecutive goals in all five matches of their win streak.
Isak scored the winner after Joelinton prodded a David Raya own goal.
WATCH BRENTFORD vs NEWCASTLE FULL MATCH REPLAY STREAM - LINK
Brentford fought well and overcame adversity of Its own when Ivan Toney had a goal taken off the board by VAR for offside and had a penalty saved before converting his second attempt from the spot.
The Bees fail consecutive European tests after slipping to a 1-0 defeat at Manchester United, two chances to shake up current top-four sides coming up just short.
Brentford vs Newcastle player ratings: Stars of the Show
Alexander Isak: The Swedish star continues to look a wise record buy.
Nick Pope: Five saves include a saved penalty and a huge low, late stop on Ivan Toney. Still making some bad decisions but the shot-stopping is splendid.
Ivan Toney: Scored again against his own club and would’ve had a hat trick-plus on another day.
Joelinton: One of the best stories in the Premier League, it’s a shame Newcastle’s second goal goes down as a David Raya own goal; Joelinton put Ben Mee on skates before cutting the ball back to the mess, off Raya, and into the goal. Them’s the breaks.
Newcastle effectively ends Brentford’s surprising top-four campaign
There were a lot of talking points over the course of 90 minutes on Saturday, starting with Toney’s wild first half.
The former much-hyped Newcastle man had an early rebound goal taken off the board for offside, then saw a penalty saved by Nick Pope following a Sven Botman foul in the box.
Toney got another chance -- well, he’d have several more -- when Alexander Isak was judged to have committed a foul on a corner kick, and he just beat a correctly-judging Pope going the same way as the first attempt.
But the Magpies were unbowed, and Eddie Howe’s halftime subs were spot-on as Callum Wilson joined Alexander Isak up top and Anthony Gordon provided a more interior presence to the wing previously occupied by Jacob Murphy.
Howe got the goals he needed to put his team in front and would later need to revert to a more defensive team for the final 10 minutes after Brentford pushed hard for an equalizer.
It was a huge test passed for the Magpies, and Brentford will need another summer of recruitment to begin a new Premier League top-four challenge.
What’s next?
Brentford goes to Wolves at 10am ET Saturday, while Newcastle heads to Aston Villa for a third-straight tricky away match.
Ivan Toney goal video: Second time’s the charm from the spot
David Raya goal video: Joelinton beats Mee, uses Raya for o.g.
Alexander Isak goal video: Swede strike off Wilson assist
Brentford vs Newcastle live: How to watch, stream link, start time
Kick off: 10am ET SaturdayTV Channel: PeacockOnline: Stream via Peacock Premium
Key storylines & in-form players to watch
Brentford’s claimed just two of the last nine points available, and its only win in five tries is away to Southampton on March 15. Ivan Toney is the only repeat goal scorer amongst the six goals scored since March 11.
Newcastle has won four-straight matches, scoring two goals in three of them before banging in five at West Ham. That’s what striker play can do for you, as Callum Wilson’s scored thrice in two matches. to give him 10 goals on the season and Alexander Isak has four goals during the unbeaten run.
Brentford team news, injuries, lineup options
OUT: Frank Onyeka (thigh), Keane Lewis-Potter (knee), Kristoffer Ajer (calf).
🐝 Your Bees to take on Newcastle United this afternoon 💪#BRENEW | #BrentfordFC | @bluejeansnet
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) April 8, 2023
Newcastle team news, injuries, lineup options
OUT: Emil Krafth (knee), Ryan Fraser (other), Miguel Almiron (thigh).
⚫️ HOWAY NEWCASTLE! ⚪️#BRENEW pic.twitter.com/G4KBWT7jYx
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 8, 2023
