Newcastle United secured a dominant 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at St. James’ Park, a result that saw the Magpies rise to fifth in the Premier League table, leapfrogging their visitors in the process. The match, which was marred by a red card for Villa’s Jhon Duran in the 32nd minute, was thoroughly controlled by the home side, who took full advantage of their numerical superiority. Anthony Gordon opened the scoring with a stunning strike, and Alexander Isak doubled the lead after halftime, ensuring that Villa’s ten men had no way back into the game.
This victory marks the second consecutive match in which Newcastle broke the deadlock within the opening minutes, further solidifying their position as one of the most potent teams in the Premier League in recent weeks. Villa, on the other hand, struggled to cope with the loss of Duran and the pressure applied by Newcastle, ending the match with only a handful of half-chances and little to show for their efforts.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the player ratings from the game, which saw the Magpies extend their winning run and continue their ascent in the league.
Newcastle United Player Ratings (4-3-3)
Newcastle put in a commanding performance, with several players stepping up to the occasion. Here’s how they fared:
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| GK: Martin Dubravka | 6.6/10 |
| RB: Kieran Trippier | 7.0/10 |
| CB: Fabian Schar | 7.6/10 |
| CB: Dan Burn | 7.3/10 |
| LB: Lewis Hall | 7.4/10 |
| CM: Sandro Tonali | 7.6/10 |
| CM: Bruno Guimaraes | 7.1/10 |
| CM: Joelinton | 8.5/10 |
| RW: Jacob Murphy | 8.0/10 |
| ST: Alexander Isak | 8.0/10 |
| LW: Anthony Gordon | 7.9/10 |
| SUB: Matt Targett (79′ for Trippier) | 5.9/10 |
| SUB: Joe Willock (79′ for Murphy) | 6.0/10 |
| SUB: Harvey Barnes (79′ for Gordon) | 6.1/10 |
| SUB: Lewis Miley (90′ for Guimaraes) | 6.3/10 |
| SUB: William Osula (90′ for Isak) | N/A |
Standout Performers for Newcastle
- Joelinton (8.5/10): Undoubtedly the star of the match, Joelinton was a constant force in midfield. His work rate, creativity, and passing were key to Newcastle’s dominance. He capped off his performance with a superb curling goal in the first minute of stoppage time, sealing the win and putting the cherry on top of an all-around excellent display.
- Alexander Isak (8.0/10): Isak was a constant threat, and his well-taken goal early in the second half was the moment that effectively ended the game. His intelligent movement and ability to link up play were crucial in breaking down Villa’s defense.
- Anthony Gordon (7.9/10): Gordon opened the scoring with a sensational strike from outside the box, leaving Emi Martinez with no chance. His direct approach and confidence in the final third were evident throughout the game.
- Fabian Schar (7.6/10): Schar was solid at the back and kept Villa’s attack at bay. His composure on the ball helped Newcastle control possession, and he was crucial in dealing with Villa’s rare attacking threats before Duran’s red card changed the game.
Aston Villa Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)
Aston Villa’s performance was undermined by both a red card and a lack of attacking intent. Despite being a man down for most of the match, the visitors showed little spark in their forward play. Here’s how Villa’s players fared:
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| GK: Emi Martinez | 6.2/10 |
| RB: Matty Cash | 5.8/10 |
| CB: Ezri Konsa | 6.1/10 |
| CB: Pau Torres | 5.9/10 |
| LB: Lucas Digne | 6.6/10 |
| CM: Boubacar Kamara | 6.6/10 |
| CM: Amadou Onana | 6.2/10 |
| AM: Youri Tielemans | 6.1/10 |
| RW: John McGinn | 6.2/10 |
| ST: Jhon Duran | 4.8/10 |
| LW: Morgan Rogers | 6.4/10 |
| SUB: Ollie Watkins (46′ for Tielemans) | 5.7/10 |
| SUB: Kosta Nedeljkovic (69′ for Cash) | 6.1/10 |
| SUB: Ross Barkley (69′ for Kamara) | 5.9/10 |
| SUB: Leon Bailey (69′ for Rogers) | 6.0/10 |
| SUB: Emiliano Buendia (80′ for McGinn) | 6.3/10 |
Key Struggles for Villa
- Jhon Duran (4.8/10): Duran’s evening was marred by a foolish red card in the 32nd minute, which significantly hampered Villa’s chances of mounting any serious threat. His frustration boiled over after a challenge on Fabian Schar, resulting in a straight red card for violent conduct. This moment undoubtedly shifted the momentum in Newcastle’s favour.
- Emi Martinez (6.2/10): Despite conceding two goals, Martinez made some decent saves to keep Villa in the game early on. However, he could do little to stop either of the goals, especially the spectacular strike by Gordon. His overall performance wasn’t enough to salvage anything for his side.
- Matty Cash (5.8/10): Cash struggled defensively and was replaced at the 69th minute, unable to cope with the attacking threat from Gordon and others. His rating reflects an overall difficult performance under pressure.
The Impact of the Red Card
The pivotal moment in the match came in the 32nd minute, when Jhon Duran’s red card effectively sealed Villa’s fate. The Colombian striker, who had been involved in a physical tussle with Fabian Schar, stamped on the Swiss defender after a shoulder-to-shoulder challenge. While Duran’s reaction was likely born out of frustration, the referee had no hesitation in showing him a straight red card for violent conduct. From that moment on, Villa were left with a mountain to climb, and Newcastle’s numerical advantage proved insurmountable.
Tactical Analysis
From the outset, Newcastle’s high press and quick transitions were evident. They took control early in the match, with Gordon’s early goal setting the tone. The Magpies were clearly intent on attacking Villa, and the numerical advantage after Duran’s red card made it all the more difficult for Villa to contain them.
Bruno Guimaraes played a key role in controlling the tempo of the game, combining well with Joelinton and Murphy to create chances for Isak and Gordon. Villa, on the other hand, struggled to maintain possession and lacked the creativity to break down Newcastle’s defensive lines.
Joelinton’s Role in the Middle
One of the standout performances came from Joelinton, who not only contributed defensively but also played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s offensive play. His work rate was exceptional, and his ability to link up with his teammates and transition from defense to attack was vital. His goal in stoppage time was the icing on the cake for an outstanding individual display.
Conclusion: A Dominant Victory for Newcastle
Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa was a comprehensive and deserved victory. The Magpies took full advantage of Villa’s numerical disadvantage and showed their attacking prowess, with both Gordon and Isak finding the back of the net. Villa’s poor discipline, epitomised by Duran’s red card, ultimately cost them any chance of a comeback.
The win sees Newcastle climb to fifth place in the Premier League, while Villa, despite a solid start to the season, now find themselves in ninth. With performances like this, Newcastle will be hopeful of pushing for a top-four finish, while Villa will need to regroup after a disappointing outing.
