Aston Villa defeated Newcastle United on Saturday lunchtime at Villa Park thanks to a second half brace from Ollie Watkins who added to Jacob Ramsey’s early opener. Over 3000 Geordies made the journey to the midlands but they actually showed up unlike their team.
Unai Emery made one change to his Aston Villa side that defeated Nottingham Forest last weekend. Leander Dendoncker came in for Leon Bailey who picked up a hamstring injury last time out.
Newcastle also made one change to their line up. Anthony Gordon returned to the starting eleven in place of Sean Longstaff who dropped to the bench. There was also a place on the bench for Miguel Almiron who recovered from a thigh injury.
The hosts almost opened the scoring with less than 30 seconds on the clock, Watkins ran in behind Botman and fired at goal only to be denied by the post. Isak had the first chance for the visitors just before the ten minute mark when he fired at goal from the corner of the box which forced Martinez into making a fingertip save. The Villain’s took the lead a minute later and it safe to say it was fully deserved. Watkins knocked the ball down for Ramsey and the latter drilled it past Pope from inside the area. Pope was then forced into a smart save five minutes later following a Watkins shot, moments later Ramsey’s strike rattled the crossbar as onslaught continued. The Magpies struggled to get a foothold in the remainder of the first half and would have been glad to hear the half time whistle blow. Half Time Aston Villa 1 Newcastle United 0.
The hosts started the second half in similar fashion to the first. Less than three minutes after the restart Watkins forced Pope into another smart save when Moreno played the ball behind Schar into the path of the in-form striker. Wilson and Almiron were brought on ten minutes into the second half as the visitors pressed for an equaliser and they almost made that happen. Isak chipped the ball into the penalty area for Wilson who’s effort at goal forced Martinez into a diving save at full stretch. Next up it was Almiron who tested the keeper following a nice chip over from Guimaraes but Martinez saved comfortably. Watkins had the ball in the back of the net for the hosts on the hour mark but VAR overruled it for offside. Two minutes later, he got his goal this time there was no doubt about this one counting. He latched onto the ball after it was worked down the left before turning Burn inside out and slotted it into the back of the net. Watkins put the game to bed with seven minutes of normal time remaining with a simple tap in at the far post to extend their winning streak on home soil to five in a row and end United’s winning sequence. Full Time Aston Villa 3 Newcastle United 0.
Sutty’s Full Time Thoughts: That was possibly the worst performance I have seen by the lads since Eddie Howe took over. We can’t even use the excuse that the officials cost us the game, don’t get me wrong, they were giving Villa ever soft foul but the hosts played us off the park. Ollie Watkins and Jacob Ramsey were in top form for the hosts and controlled the game. We were diabolical. Apart from a couple of chances by Almiron and Isak, we showed no threat at all. We missed Sean Longstaff in the midfield today without a shadow of a doubt, Bruno wasn’t the same without him controlling the centre of the park and if he doesn’t start next weekend then I will be amazed. Moving on to our defence…well that was none existent, Dan Burn was poor today and didn’t have his finest game in a black and white shirt. It is a shame because he has been a solid part in our back line for the majority of the season. He looked knackered and could do with a bit of a break to recharge and re-cooperate…it’s worked wonders for others and it should for him too. Who would replace him in the starting eleven? For me it’s Matt Targett. It’s his natural position and in the past he has always been reliable when called upon. The defeat today is just the fourth of the season for Newcastle but Eddie Howe will be disappointed with the uncharacteristic performance of his side. There’s no doubt that he will work them hard this week in order to avoid a similar result against Spurs next Sunday. Keep the faith Mags, every side has a hiccup.
What’s Next? Aston Villa travel to Brentford on Saturday 22nd April for a traditional 3pm KO. The Magpies host Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park on Sunday 23rd April, a 2pm KO live on Sky Sports.
Aston Villa Line Up: E Martinez, E Konsa, T Mings, A Moreno, A Young, D Luiz, J McGinn ©, L Dendoncker, J Ramsey (85, C Chambers), E Buendia, O Watkins (90+1, J Duran).
Aston Villa Bench: R Olsen, V Sinisalo, D Carlos, C Chambers, L Digne, S Revan, T Patterson, B Traore, J Duran.
Newcastle United Line Up: N Pope, K Trippier ©, F Schar, S Botman, D Burn (67, M Targett), B Guimaraes, J Willock (67, S Longstaff), Joelinton 79, E Anderson), J Murphy (56, C Wilson), A Isak, A Gordon (56, M Almiron).
Newcastle United Bench: M Dubravka, J Lascelles, M Targett, J Manquillo, M Ritchie, M Almiron, E Anderson, S Longstaff, C Wilson.
Match Officials: John Brookes (Referee), Matthew Wilkes & Mark Scholes (Assistant’s), Graham Scott (Fourth Official), Simon Hooper (VAR), Adrian Holmes (Assistant VAR).
@jsuttonwrites
15.04.2023