Newcastle United claimed a fifth straight victory and further underlined their Champions League hopes with a 2-1 win at Brentford.
Ivan Toney’s penalty on the brink of half-time put the hosts in front but the Magpies responded with two second-half goals from Joelinton and Alexander Isak.
Eddie Howe named two changes to his starting XI, one of which was enforced as Joe Willock replaced the injured Allan Saint-Maximin. Isak started ahead of Callum Wilson.
VAR came to the Magpies’ rescue just nine minutes - ruling out Ivan Toney’s goal for offside. The replays showed the England international was just ahead of Fabian Schar as he followed up Pontus Jansson’s saved header from Nick Pope.
The hosts were then awarded a penalty in the 29th minute when Sven Botman hacked down Kevin Schade. Toney stepped up but Pope prevented the former United striker from converting a spot-kick for the first time since 2018.
Toney, however, wasn’t to be denied for a second time. VAR was involved again, this time ordering referee Chris Kavanagh to check Isak’s challenge on Rico Henry, and he pointed towards the spot.
United, however, turned it around in the second-half. Joelinton linked up with Kieran Trippier down the right, and the Brazilian’s cross-come-shot beat goalkeeper David Raya.
Isak then scored the winner on the hour-mark when he beat Raya from distance. Here are our Newcastle player ratings from the win at the Gtech Community Stadium:
1. BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Newcastle United at Brentford Community Stadium on April 08, 2023 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Newcastle United player ratings from the 2-1 win at Brentford. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
2. Nick Pope - 9
Top drawer save to deny Pontus Jansson in the opening stages. Became the first goalkeeper since 2018 to save an Ivan Toney penalty. Produced another quality save near the end.
3. Kieran Trippier - 7
Played an important role at both end. Produced several vital clearances and had a hand in the equaliser linking up well down the right.
4. Fabian Schar - 6
Calm on the ball but similar to his centre-back partner was caught out by the pace of the Brentford attackers on a few of occasions.