Aston Villa 1-3 Newcastle: What Were The Key Talking Points As The Magpies Spring A Premier League Upset At Villa Park?

In what was an action-packed affair from Villa Park on Tuesday night, Newcastle sprung a real upset as they stormed their way to a 3-1 romp in the Midlands.

Making what was a clinical statement here, it was Fabian Schar who proved to be a shock hero as the Swiss defender bagged a pair of first half strikes in the space of just four minutes.

Although Eddie Howe’s side might have arrived at Villa Park in the midst of a five-match Premier League losing run away from St. James’ Park, the Magpies didn’t take their foot off the accelerator after returning from the half time break.

With Alex Moreno turning into his own net seven minutes after the restart, Aston Villa will certainly feel that they missed out on a golden opportunity on home soil.

While Ollie Watkins might have snatched a consolation strike and tempted a potential late comeback, Tuesday’s hosts are seeking some recent stability.

Mustering just a pair of wins from any of their last six appearances across all competitions, Villa could head into the weekend fixtures sat outside the Champions League places.

On a night when Newcastle collected a first Premier League victory of 2024, we have taken a look at the main talking points from the Midlands.

Howe gets the Premier League boost he was calling for

Extending on their FA Cup adventure last weekend as they secured a deserved 2-0 victory away at Fulham, Howe had made it clear that his squad must use that performance as a platform to build on.

While the Magpies might have made real history last season as they secured a famous top-four finish, it is no secret that the former Bournemouth boss has found some increasing pressure on his shoulders.

Crashing out of the Champions League last month and suffering major European heartbreak, Newcastle also opened Tuesday’s showdown having lost eight of their previous 11 appearances across all competitions.

Likewise, losing all of their last five showdowns away from St. James’ Park by an aggregate score of 14-3, Howe’s side appeared to be bracing themselves for another stern examination here.

However, collecting back-to-back domestic victories for the first time since returning from November’s international break, Newcastle will now be desperate to find some crucial Premier League stability during the second half of the season.

Villa’s hometown romp comes to an end

Gaining a string of plaudits this season and still with their sights firmly set on securing a stunning Champions League ticket in 2024, Aston Villa were desperate to make another heavyweight statement on Tuesday night.

However, although Unai Emery’s side might still be snapping it out in the top-four chase, the Villains have collected just a pair of wins from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions.

Although Villa might have collected a remarkable 49 points from their previous 17 Premier League showdowns in front of their own supporters, Tuesday’s 3-1 loss was their first top-flight defeat in the Midlands since February of last year.

Missing out on what they would have billed as a potential opportunity in midweek, Emery’s men will be calling for an immediate response.

With Spurs now breathing firmly down their neck, Aston Villa should be relishing a trip to leading relegation scrappers Sheffield United on Saturday evening.

Fears over Isak’s fitness

Although Newcastle might have claimed a first Premier League victory away from St. James’ Park since the end of September, Howe was certainly be hugely concerned by the site of Alexander Isak limping off just moments before the half-time break.

With growing speculation that England international Callum Wilson could still be heading for a dramatic Deadline Day move away from the north east, Isak has shouldered most of Newcastle’s goal-scoring burden.

However, although the former Real Sociedad strike might have once again impressed this season after notching 10 Premier League strikes, it looks like the 24-year-old could face a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

Missing a handful of fixtures between October and November after sustaining a groin injury, Isak joins what has become a stacked treatment room at St. James’ Park.

While summer recruit Harvey Barnes might be inching towards a first-team return following a long-term ankle issue, Howe still remains without the likes of Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson, Nick Pope and Brazilian international Joelinton.

Match Report

Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Lenglet, Moreno, McGinn, Kamara, Luiz, Tielemans, Diaby, Watkins

Subs: Bailey, Ramsey, Zaniolo

Newcastle: Dubravka, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Longstaff, Guimaraes, Miley, Gordon, Isak, Murphy

Subs: Krafth, Livramento, Almiron

Goals: Aston Villa: Watkins (71’) – Newcastle: Schar (32’, 36’), Moreno OG (52’)

Yellow Cards: Aston Villa: McGinn, Kmara, Luiz, Zaniolo – Newcastle: Gordon

Red Cards: N/A

Referee: John Brooks