The wholesome Sandro Tonali moment Eddie Howe loved after Newcastle United win

The Italian’s 10-month ban expired this week and Eddie Howe wasted no time in starting him at the City Ground. Tonali got through an hour and impressed as United won 4-3 penalties. Joelinton missed his spot-kick but Ibrahim Sangare and Taiwo Awoniyi failed to hit the target with theirs.

“I thought he did well,” said Howe. “He was involved in some lovely little passages of play. I thought he did well fitness wise considering the lack of match action he’s had. I think he can be really pleased with the reception he got from the Newcastle supporters at the end.”

There was, however, a moment midway through the first-half when Tonali looked as though he might need to come off as he received treatment from the physios.

But Howe explained: “I think he was suffering from a bit of sickness at that moment, not sure what happened there and why he was feeling a bit below his best but it was a great day for him, a great return and a positive result.”

Tonali was serenaded by the travelling fans at full-time, even embracing one fan.

“Yeah it was [a wholesome moment],” said Howe. “You could see the amount of Italian flags in the crowd and that embrace with the supporter, there was a lot of emotion coming out from Sandro’s side and of course from the supporters back.

“That connection is so important for any player and he will be hugely boosted by that.”

After progressing into the third round of the Carabao Cup, Newcastle now switch their focus back to the Premier League as Tottenham Hotspur visit St James’ Park on Sunday.

Could Tonali start again? Howe said: “I think we have to make the right decision for the team first. Sandro is a top quality player and we’ll try and make the right decision. He had a real lack of football work so I think he’ll be a little bit short of his best levels.

“Hopefully we can get him back to his best levels as quickly as possible. He’s got a massive part to play for us.”