Newcastle’s successful coach Eddie Howe naturally installed top new signing Tonali in his starting XI. The 23-year-old Italian national player had been brought from Italy’s fashion city a few weeks ago – and that was quite surprising for many Milan fans.
And how could it be otherwise? Raised as a Rossoneri fan, the midfielder put his stamp on his first international adventure of his young career. Tonali was playable, present, passable and in a leading role from the first second.
Early goal included: Former Hoffenheimer Joelinton and Gordon made strong builds down the left touchline here in the 6th minute, while Aston Villa’s defense failed to develop access. In the end, Gordon crossed sharply in the middle, where Tonali flew in and, worth seeing, made it 1-0 from a few meters with an artistically stretched leg.
Diaby also scores in the first game
No wonder that the well-attended St. James’ Park in Newcastle upon Tyne shook and loudly celebrated the new man – and that he was also extensively celebrated by his fellow players.
However, the Villans, coached by Unai Emery, also played along, showed courage at times and put well-kept counter-football on the pitch. Often present here: Ex-Leverkusener Diaby, who landed in the summer, who then also directly marked the 1-1. After an extended cross, the offensive man was free in the center and shot in confidently (11th).
Five goals on Matchday 1
The host Magpies didn’t falter as a result, rather they had control over the events on this Saturday evening – apart from the few good phases of the Villans.
The logical consequences of this: a few more goals. First of all, former Dortmund player Isak scored after a great Tonali cross and a clean save from defender Botman who was not offside – 2:1 (16th). After the restart, Isak tied the decisive 3:1 (58th) with a wonderful lob over keeper Martinez, before substitutes Wilson (77th) and Barnes (90+1) each made it 5:1 in front of Martinez alone . Newcastle, which also qualified for the Champions League, started the new season with an announcement to the rest of the league.
On the upcoming second matchday there will be a bang: Newcastle United will then have to play against the reigning champions Manchester City (Saturday, 9 p.m., LIVE! on kicker). Aston Villa will face Everton a day later (3 p.m.).
