Newcastle United fans have shared their delight in seeing Sandro Tonali being substituted during Saturday's 2-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur. The Magpies are up and running under head coach Matthias Jaissle after recording their first Premier League win of the season.
Goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa secured all three points after drawing 2-2 at home to Liverpool last Sunday. The victory in north London was made even sweeter for some supporters after seeing ex-Newcastle midfielder Tonali struggle badly on his home league debut for Roberto De Zerbi's team. The Italian arrived in north London from St James' Park for £100million.
Tonali booed and hooked
Tonali caught the ire of Newcastle's away fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend. The 26-year-old was booed throughout. Fans on social media platform X have also given the former AC Milan star a tough time after he was substituted in the 75th minute for striker Dominic Solanke, having failed to make an impact.
One fan said: "Woltemade finally gets a goal contribution, the goal Wissa scored was class, the dance with Wissa and Elanga was class, and Tonali being subbed off right after, absolutely phenomenal!"
Another commented: "That's an assist for Tonali that played Wissa onside by standing still and being lazy. His final action of the game. Superb."
Fan reaction on social media
One other fan said: "I love the fact it was Tonali marking Elanga for the goal!!!" While another commented: "Tonali being hooked after being turned by Elanga for the first and playing Wissa onside for the second. Lovely stuff."
One other supporter added: "Didn't even realise that it was Tonali he turned to score that. Cherry on top."
Tonali's emotional farewell
Although there is some ill feeling towards Tonali, the Italy international issued an emotional statement to Newcastle fans after his move to Spurs. He said: "Above all, I want to speak directly to the fans. When things were hard for me, you were there. Not for one day did I feel alone. I felt it every time I was at St James' Park. That's something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
"Together, we achieved something this city had been waiting decades for. At Wembley that day, it was special, a historic moment we got to share together."
"To the fans who never stopped believing, who never stopped cheering for this club, who were there in the hardest times, that trophy was for you. The game brought me to Newcastle. Today I leave with my wife and our son, born during my time here. This city gave me more than football. It gave me a home, moments I'll hold onto forever, and people I will always be grateful for."
Newcastle are next in action on Saturday, September 5 at home to Bournemouth (12:30pm).
