Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: “Really pleased. It was a good performance from the players. Every game brings a new challenge and Brentford were what we thought we would be – a strong team.

“I thought we scored some really good goals. It was great to see Sandro [Tonali] score the two that he did. Just a really good feeling about the group at the moment. We are building in confidence all the time.

“We are starting to see the best of him [Tonali]. The tweak in position has definitely helped him, he is a lot more comfortable when he is deeper on the pitch. He is showing all the qualities that we knew when we signed him. It is just about finding the right balance for him and the team.

“The midfield wins and loses you games, it goes without saying that it is such an important area of the pitch. It was good to see him [Tonali], Bruno [Guimaraes], Joelinton and Joe Willock all playing well today.

“The balance of the team is good. We have players playing in their chosen positions and playing well. We look creative again and a high number of shots and chances to score.

“Disappointed with the bookings and to lose two key players in Bruno and Schar [for the semi-final] but it goes with the territory. We are competitive and encourage the intensity so you can’t have everything.”