Tonali's Return Sparks Newcastle Cup Win Amidst Penalty Drama
Newcastle United secured their passage to the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday night, with Sandro Tonali making a triumphant return from a 10-month gambling ban.
Tonali was instrumental in the Magpies' lightning-fast start at the City Ground, providing the assist for Joe Willock's goal just 19 seconds into the match. He played 62 minutes before being substituted, by which point Nottingham Forest had levelled the score through Jota Silva.
The second-round clash ultimately went to a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Newcastle emerged victorious after a tense shootout, triumphing 4-3. Forest missed two crucial spot-kicks, with Ibrahim Sangare and Taiwo Awoniyi both failing to find the target. Sean Longstaff slotted home the decisive penalty for Newcastle.
Tonali, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan in the summer of 2023, had previously been sidelined for 12 games due to a lengthy suspension imposed by the Italian Football Federation in October. The suspension stemmed from Tonali placing bets on matches involving AC Milan and Brescia, clubs he previously represented.
An independent regulatory commission also handed Tonali a two-month ban, which was suspended until the end of the current season.
Meanwhile, West Ham secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bournemouth at the London Stadium. Jarrod Bowen scored the winning goal in the 88th minute, albeit in controversial fashion. A shot by Mohammed Kudus appeared to deflect off Bowen's arm before finding the back of the net. Despite Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola's protests, the goal stood as video reviews are not available at this stage of the competition.
Elsewhere, there was a major upset as fourth-tier AFC Wimbledon eliminated top-flight Ipswich Town in a dramatic penalty shootout. The two sides were locked at 2-2 after regulation time before Wimbledon prevailed 4-2 on spot-kicks.
Southampton fought back from two goals down to defeat Cardiff 5-3 in a thrilling encounter. Goals from James Bree and Cameron Archer in stoppage time secured the victory for the Saints. Wolverhampton Wanderers also progressed to the next round, beating fellow Championship side Burnley 2-0 thanks to goals from Gonçalo Guedes. Brentford completed the night's Premier League wins with a 1-0 victory away to Colchester United, who ply their trade in League Two.
