Alexander Isak continued his impressive form, but it was Sandro Tonali, Newcastle’s Italian midfielder, who ultimately secured the victory against Brentford.
Tonali`s powerful shot from a wide position surprised Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken, keeping Newcastle close behind Manchester City in the race for a top-four finish.
This victory occurred even before star striker Alexander Isak entered the field.
While Isak, at 25, is still chasing Alan Shearer`s club record of 206 goals, the Swedish sensation has now accomplished something Shearer never did.
Fresh off winning the Carabao Cup, Newcastle`s first major trophy since 1969, Isak became the first Newcastle player to score 20 or more goals in successive Premier League seasons after scoring the opening goal.
Brentford, who were unbeaten in their previous six away games, initially threatened to disrupt the celebrations when Bryan Mbeumo equalized with a penalty, but Tonali`s moment of brilliance secured the win for Newcastle.
The atmosphere at St James` Park was celebratory from the start, as the Carabao Cup champions played their first home game since their Wembley victory.
Following an estimated 300,000 fans attending the trophy parade, Newcastle supporters unveiled a massive flag of their manager, Eddie Howe, in the Gallowgate End, with the message: “Eddie Howe History Made.”
Howe acknowledged the support, but both he and his team are aware that a Champions League spot is the bigger objective.
Howe had previously mentioned that Newcastle`s main challenge was maintaining consistency in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.
Starting with the same lineup that defeated Liverpool in the cup final, Newcastle began the game energetically.
They quickly created an opportunity in the second minute. Joelinton passed to Tino Livramento on the left, who beat his defender and crossed towards the far post.
Isak met the cross, but uncharacteristically missed the target from close range under pressure.
Joelinton then shot wide as Newcastle continued to press. Isak had another chance when Jacob Murphy dispossessed Ethan Pinnock in Brentford`s half, but Isak shot over the bar from 20 yards.
Brentford absorbed the early pressure and began to challenge Newcastle. Bryan Mbeumo shot wide, and Kieran Trippier cleared Mbeumo`s cross to prevent Kevin Schade from heading in.
Harvey Barnes then attempted a shot after cutting in from the left, but his shot went just wide of the post.
Fabian Schar`s powerful shot from distance was deflected off Isak as Newcastle looked to regain momentum before halftime.
Newcastle thought they had scored just before halftime when Isak set up Barnes, but Barnes was offside.
However, shortly after halftime, Isak scored. Capitalizing on a slip by Mbeumo, Isak converted Murphy`s cross past Flekken for his 24th goal of the season.
Barnes shot wide again after halftime, and Murphy hesitated when through on goal. Brentford then countered, and Bruno Guimaraes blocked a shot as Newcastle struggled to clear.
Eventually, Newcastle conceded a penalty when goalkeeper Nick Pope fouled Yoane Wissa. Mbeumo converted the penalty, sending Pope the wrong way.
Howe responded by substituting Isak and Murphy for Callum Wilson and Joe Willock, but Brentford almost took the lead when Pinnock`s header hit the post.
Newcastle appeared to be faltering, but Tonali then scored the winning goal. Barnes passed to Tonali on the right wing, and Tonali’s powerful strike beat Flekken at the near post.
In added time, Brentford had a final chance, but Mikkel Damsgaard`s shot went high. Damsgaard then appealed for a penalty after a collision with Guimaraes, but the appeals were dismissed.
