Newcastle United were on an impressive run of form of late, but they were humbled by Aston Villa at Villa Park as the Birmingham based outfit ran out 2-0 winners.
The Villans were quite clearly the better side, and two first-half goals from them wrapped up the contest. Conor Hourihane scored brilliantly from a freekick to give his team the lead around the half-hour mark. The midfielder then turned himself from the goal-scorer to the provider as he put the ball on a platter for Anwar El Ghazi who scored from close quarters to make it 2-0.
The Magpies never really looked like they would be able to come back into the game as the home team dominated the midfield battle. The Toon failed to stage a comeback in the second half after a decent start to the second 45 and Villa ran out comfortable winners in the end.
Here is how Steve Bruce’s men fared.
Martin Dubravka 6.5
Kept the scoreline respectable in the end by making some crucial saves in the second half. Couldn’t have done much to prevent both the goals.
Ciaran Clark 4.5
Had an average game in the middle of the back three. Needs to be more of a commanding presence at the back.
Federico Fernandez 5
Came close to scoring but he missed his chance. Did an okay job in defence but was guilty of giving away the free-kick for the second goal.
Paul Dummett 5
Made some crucial blocks and interceptions and helped in keeping the scoreline at 2-0. Gave way for Andy Carroll in the final half-hour of the game.
Jetro Willems 5
Worked hard but never really managed to create much down the left. Played some decent balls down the channel but was average overall.
DeAndre Yedlin 3
Made a poor decision to foul Grealish in a dangerous area which allowed the home side to take the lead. Didn’t offer much on the attacking front. Improved a bit in the second half but was sloppy overall.
Isaac Hayden 4
Couldn’t provide much control in the middle and Hayden was one of the players to blame. Tested Heaton with an effort but never really helped his side to assert control in midfield.
Jonjo Shelvey 4
Like his midfield partner, Shelvey too found it hard to contain Villa and get into the game. Put in some decent balls into the box, but that was just about it in terms of his positive contributions.
Allan Saint-Maximin 7
Stretched Heaton into making an impressive save in the second half. His direct style of playing troubled the Villa defenders. Always willing to take on his man and caused them a lot of problems with his powerful runs.
Miguel Almiron 3
Was anonymous for the most part in the game and couldn’t provide much while going forward. Worked hard overall but he is in the side to provide that telling moment in the final third. A disappointing night for the South American.
Joelinton 4
He worked hard but wasn’t able to conjure up anything meaningful in the final third. Just seemed to be a bit behind the pace of the game as he was often closed down quickly by the Villans.
Substitutes
Christian Atsu N/A
Wasn’t involved enough to warrant a rating.
Andy Carroll 4
Never really got into the game as he did not get any service.
Dwight Gayle 4
Ran between the channels.
