Eddie Howe: Why I didn't name Sandro Tonali in my Newcastle United starting XI vs Fulham
Eddie Howe has explained his decision to leave Sandro Tonali out of his Newcastle United starting XI for the 3-1 defeat against Fulham.
Howe rewarded Harvey Barnes and Joe Willock with a start at Craven Cottage following their impact from the bench in the 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last Sunday. Tonali, however, was overlooked, despite also coming on a half-time substitute at Molineux.
The 24-year-old is still awaiting his first Premier League start since returning from his 10-month ban mid-August. Tonali started against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup and played back-to-back full games for Italy earlier this month but Howe said: “There is no doubting Sandro's quality but as I've said I've got to introduce him at the right time for everyone.”
Having trailed 2-0 at the break following goals from Raul Jimenez and Emile Smith Rowe, Howe withdrew Willock and Lloyd Kelly and brought on Jacob Murphy and Lewis Hall.
Newcastle fans chanted throughout the second-half to see Tonali introduced but didn’t get their wish until the remaining quarter of an hour. At that point, the Magpies were chasing an equaliser, though ended up conceding a third as substitute Reiss Nelson netted in stoppage time.
“I'm Sandro's biggest supporter as well but I can only judge what I see,” Howe added. “Sandro came on the pitch today and I don't think we were particularly good in that phase of the game.
“I wanted us to chase the game better towards the end but every player has the opportunity when they're on the pitch to make a difference.”
Tonali is in line to start Tuesday’s Carabao Cup third round tie away to AFC Wimbledon before United host Premier League champions Manchester City at St James’ Park four days later.