Aston Villa vs Newcastle LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Magpies claim vital three points
Aston Villa 1-3 Newcastle: Eddie Howe’s men ended a run of four straight defeats with a win over Villa
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Newcastle United got themselves back to winning ways with a professional and, at times, dominant display at Villa Park.
A match billed to be a close affair was anything but in the first 45 minutes as Newcastle strode forward, slipped into dangerous areas and put the hosts on the back foot.
Despite feeling restricted from open play, Eddie Howe’s men utilised set pieces to great effect with the first two goals coming from corners.
The first found Fabian Schar near the front post and he turned the ball past Emi Martinez to open the scoring. The second was flicked out to Anthony Gordon whose long-ranged effort struck the crossbar and rebounded back to Schar for a tap-in.
From there, Newcastle added a third after the half-time break through a slick counter-attack that saw Alex Moreno’s attempted clearance find the back of the net.
Ollie Watkins pulled a goal back for Aston Villa – his 50th in the Premier League – and ended his goal drought but it wasn’t enough for Unai Emery’s men to mount a comeback.
Relive the action with our live blog below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:
Aston Villa vs Newcastle team changes
No changes to speak of from either manager.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery named an unchanged side from the side which drew 0-0 with Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round last Friday.
Ollie Watkins starts up front for Villa as their main goal threat despite a six game drought.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe also sticks with the same side from Newcastle’s last game which was a 2-0 win over Fulham in their fourth-round tie on Saturday.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle line-ups
Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Lenglet, Moreno; McGinn, Kamara, Luiz, Tielemens; Diaby, Watkins.
Newcastle XI: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Miley, Longstaff, Guimaraes; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle
Newcastle thrashed Aston Villa 5-1 at St James’ Park on the opening weekend of the current campaign but the away team hasn’t won this fixture in 16 league meetings since Newcastle’s 2-1 triumph at Villa Park in September 2013.
Can Eddie Howe’s men change that tonight?
Howe on the previous meeting and how big Fulham win was
Newcastle boss, Eddie Howe, also spoke about the previous meeting with Villa and says that his side were at their best on the day.
“It seems a long time ago,” reflected Howe, “I think we were at our best from an attacking sense that day. We grew in confidence as the game went on and we scored some great goals.
“The squad looked healthy and we had options - it was a difficult team to pick. I think that showed what we’re capable of.”
The Newcastle manager also spoke about the significance of Saturday’s FA Cup win at Fulham adding: “It was an important win for us.
“It wasn’t our best performance but it was important. Defensively, we looked resilient and solid.
“Hopefully it gives us a lot of confidence. I think you’ve seen an improved performance towards the end of the game, probably reflecting the scoreline and the fact we were winning - you saw a bit of freedom return.”
Emery looks back on defeat at St. James’ Park
The last time Aston Villa faced Newcastle in the Premier League they were heavily beaten 5-1 at St. James’ Park. Villa boss, Unai Emery, reflected on that defeat and says his side will respect Newcastle this evening.
“It was tough – not only the result but for the match because it was the moment Tyrone [Mings] was injured. It was a difficult moment.” he said,
“We were with some circumstances that were really bad. We analysed and worked after that match, trying to improve, and I think that now it’s completely different.
“We respect Newcastle a lot. They have some injured players. To share Premier League and Champions League the demand is very high with injuries and circumstances like that.
“They are not being like last year when they had an amazing season, played fantastic and qualified for the Champions League. They were successful in the cups as well.
“This year is different, but my respect has not changed. We are going to respect them like they deserve and we are ready for tomorrow.”
Aston Villa step up pursuit of Middlesbrough’s Morgan Rogers with third bid
Aston Villa have put in a third bid for Middlesbrough’s Morgan Rogers, after some progress in negotiations between the clubs.
The latest offer forms an overall package of around £15m, including achievable add-ons. Middlesbrough are understood to have previously been holding out for at least £10m in terms of basic fee, and are hugely reluctant to let such a talent go, having just signed him in the summer. Rogers is only six months into a four-year contract at the Riverside.
Emery specifically wants Rogers as his main priority for Villa’s relatively constrained window. The 21-year-old forward has greatly impressed for Michael Carrick’s side, and scored in the Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea in midweek, having already impressed in an FA Cup game against Emery’s side. The Basque coach feels Rogers can give a different dimension.
Aston Villa step up pursuit of Middlesbrough’s Morgan Rogers with third bid
Middlesbrough are hugely reluctant to let such an exciting talent leave the club
Lewis Miley on his new Newcastle contract
Teenager Lewis Miley has signed a new deal with Newcastle which will keep him at the club for the forseeable future.
A product of the Newcastle United Academy, Lewis became Newcastle’s youngest ever Premier League debutant when he featured for his boyhood club on the final day of the 2022/23 season away at Chelsea.
He has since made 18 competitive first team appearances, including three outings in the Champions League, and has been capped at Under-19 level for England.
Of his new contract, Miley said: “It’s a really proud moment for me and my family to sign another professional contract with my boyhood club. I couldn’t be prouder.
“Hopefully I can continue to do well over the next few years, and I can keep improving my performance and getting better as a player.
“It’s a real joy playing in front of the fans, especially to hear them chanting my name. Their support means so much to me and my family, and I’m looking forward to the future.”
Howe gives an injury update
Newcastle boss, Eddie Howe, is expecting to have Miguel Almiron available for tonight’s match though the Magpies still have a few key players on the sidelines.
The Newcastle manager said: “We hope Miggy [Almiron] will be with us. Jamaal [Lascelles], I’m not so sure about. It’s not a serious injury but I think it might be enough to keep him out of this game - it will be close. We certainly hope to have Miggy with us.
“Harvey [Barnes] is getting closer. He’s probably the closest, along with Callum [Wilson].
“Then you go a little bit further back to Joe [Willock] and a bit further again to Elliot [Anderson], then we have a couple of others that are even further back. Harvey and Callum are probably the closest to returning to help us.”
Emery on Ramsey’s future
Jacob Ramsey has been linked with a possible move to Newcastle in the January transfer window but he is a big part of Unai Emery’s plans with Aston Villa and the club do not want to see him leave anytime soon.
Emery said: “Jacob Ramsey is a very important player. He grew up here in the Academy and his progress is clear, getting better. His level is increasing a lot and I want to keep him here with us.
“He is a potentially big, big player in Aston Villa and England. I want to keep him here 100%.”
Eddie Howe says it is ‘impossible’ for Newcastle to add to squad without selling
Eddie Howe has promised the Newcastle hierarchy will not ignore their role as “guardians of the club’s future” as they attempt to negotiate a path through a transfer window minefield.
The big-spending Magpies have found themselves thrust into the limelight in recent weeks amid speculation that one of their biggest names could be sold as they juggle the restrictions imposed by profit and sustainability and financial fair play rules with their desire to strengthen their squad.
More than £400m has been spent on transfers since the club’s Saudi-backed owners took charge at St James’ Park in October 2021 and, with the club having reported losses in excess of £70m for each of the two most recent financial years, chief executive Darren Eales has admitted that even their biggest names have their price.
Eddie Howe says it is ‘impossible’ for Newcastle to add to squad without selling
The Magpies’ search for reinforcements is ongoing.
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