Newcastle United’s unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign came to an end at Fulham last month.
The Magpies were far from their best at Craven Cottage and deservedly lost by a 3-1 scoreline.
However, they bounced back in their previous league game against Manchester City as they held the champions to a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park.
Anthony Gordon scored the vital second-half goal from the spot to cancel out Josko Gvardiol’s 35th-minute strike, ensuring the spoils of the match were shared.
Gordon was the hero for the Tyneside club, but Sandro Tonali also provided an important contribution in the draw.
BBC Sport pundit Troy Deeney was so impressed that he picked out the Italian for his Premier League team of the week.
Deeney called the 24-year-old ‘naturally gifted’ and praised his role in the home match against Manchester City.
He said: “I’m going for a little wildcard here. I think he’s one of those people who’s obviously made a mistake, but he’s so naturally gifted as an athlete he’s been able to come back in to the Newcastle side like he hasn’t left. I know he’s had a couple of games off the bench, but he covered a lot of ground, he got after the Manchester City players and made sure Newcastle were on the front foot”.
Eddie Howe finally handed Sandro Tonali his Premier League start against City following his return from suspension. And the Italy international repaid the faith of his manager by producing an excellent display.
The 24-year-old completed 13 of his 16 passes and contributed one key pass. He also created one big chance and made two interceptions and a clearance.
Tonali is not expected to be part of Newcastle’s first-team against AFC Wimbledon today as Howe may opt to rest the midfielder for the EFL Cup game.
The likes of Nick Pope, Fabian Schar, Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon are also likely to be dropped in eight key changes against the League Two outfit.
Stats from Sofascore
