Sandro Tonali describes life at Newcastle United in three words - Alan Shearer responds

Newcastle United talisman Sandro Tonali returned to the team last night and scooped the man-of-the-match reward.

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Sandro Tonali declared “This is NUFC” on social media following Newcastle United’s win over Tottenham Hotspur.

The Italian returned to the Toon engine room following a bout of illness and produced a typical dominant performance. Tonali - who set up Fabian Schar’s opener from the corner spot - was crowned man of the match against Spurs.

His control in midfield allowed for Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton to earn a much-needed rest on the bench. Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock partnered Tonali as Newcastle ran out as comfortable winners.

Sandro Tonali posts on social media

Tonali used his customary social media post at the full-time whistle to send a black-and-white battle cry to the rest of the competition. He declared “This is NUFC” - with several figures at the club making public the importance of retaining the trophy.

Teammates Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn called him “maestro”, with Nick Woltemade, Anthony Elanga and Toon icon Alan Shearer also honouring the playmaker. Using last night as evidence, Tonali is certainly keen to keep the Carabao Cup on Tyneside.

Sandro Tonali on Tottenham Hotspur win

Speaking to ITV post-match, Tonali set his sights on winning the Carabao Cup for a second time. He said: “Tonight, the first thing (what the win does) is (give us) confidence. We started the game really well.

“This win is important, it is so important to be in the quarter-final, but also important to play really good football. Our goal is to win this trophy again. These fans deserve everything for this team. We play every game, 100 per cent, for these fans.”

Eddie Howe on Tottenham Hotspur win

On beating Spurs, Eddie Howe told reporters: “(I am) really pleased. When you make the changes that we did (eight changes), you hope to see a performance in line with our identity and expectations, and I thought we got both today.

“I thought the pressing early on in the game was outstanding, and the general attitude of the players was very, very good. Individually, there were some really good performances and, collectively, we were strong. Really pleased for the squad today.”

“You wonder how cohesive it will be (after making so many changes), but from minute one we looked in a really good place. Athletically, I thought we were excellent, and a lot of those players haven’t played regularly, so that’s a testament to their professionalism and how they look after themselves in between games. They got their rewards.”