Tonali caught Mark Flekken off guard with a powerful strike from the right touchline that could be a goal of the season contender, but it was unclear if the Italian midfielder meant it.

Alexander Isak had earlier scored his 20th Premier League goal of the season, prodding in Jacob Murphy's excellent cross in first-half stoppage-time.

But Brentford hit back in the 66th minute with a penalty from Bryan Mbeumo, coolly converting past Nick Pope after the Magpies goalkeeper had brought down Yoane Wissa.

Thomas Frank's side then looked the more likely to go in front, with Ethan Pinnock striking the post with a header just two minutes after the Bees had drawn level.

But the visitors were made to pay for their wasted opportunities when Tonali struck his eye-catching winner 16 minutes from time, but Brentford had its chances late on.

Kevin Schade and Mikkel Damsgaard squandered two glorious opportunities to seal a share of the spoils, with Newcastle able to hold on for a vital victory.

Eddie Howe's team moved up to fifth on the Premier League table as it chases down UEFA Champions League football next season.

Brentford, meanwhile, stays down in 11th.

Tonali admitted after the match that his goal was "70 per cent a cross".

"It was difficult for the goalkeeper and difficult for me. There was also a little bit of luck," he added.

"The start of the second half was tough and Brentford pushed but we are a solid team as well and we had a good reaction. We have had a good week.

"Now we have nine finals to get back into the Champions League. I am so happy to play every game in this stadium and with these fans, it is amazing."

Magpies boss Howe conceded he was relieved to get through the game after such an emotional period since the triumph over Liverpool at Wembley last month.

"It wasn't pretty. I don't think we played as well as we did against Liverpool," he said.

"Tonali has a thunderbolt of a strike when he does go for goal. I am mightily relieved to see it hit the net.

"Always, after the international break, the games are different. We had players in different physical moments and we look to have picked up a few minor injuries but hopefully nothing to keep anyone out of the next game.

"We are relieved to come through with the three points."

The Bees have lost 10 of their 12 league games against Newcastle, conceding at least twice in 11 of those matches, but boss Thomas Frank was more concerned about seeing a response from his team when it faces Chelsea next.

"I'm happy with the players' performance. I think besides the first moment and the last minute, we kept them quiet in the first half," he said.

"Ethan went close to scoring and unfortunately, Tonali scores from a cross. That is one in a million and then in the end we had good chances.

"We performed well and then the fine margins didn't go our way. It was an even game that could have gone either way."