Newcastle defeated Aston Villa 3-1 at Villa Park to become the first team to defeat them in the Premier League this year, thanks to two goals from Fabian Schar.
Before Schar struck twice in four minutes late in the first half, Eddie Howe’s team had already reversed a run of four losses to win away for the first time since September. Ollie Watkins’ effort was unable to pull Villa closer, while Alex Moreno’s own goal extended the margin.
Newcastle moves up to sixth place in the standings after the win. Unai Emery’s team could have moved into third place and above current champions Manchester City with just one point. Rather, to maintain a top-four finish, they will need to do better at this.
Eddie How said after the game:
“It was a big win and a big performance,” said Howe. “The players were really good tonight. That was like us last year. We had a really good start to the game, aggressive and on the front foot.” He credited the FA Cup win away to Fulham for bringing momentum.
“I think it has been a big, big week for us,” he added. “The Fulham game, we knew to stay in the FA Cup was going to have a big say in the feel around the club. We took that positivity into this game and hope it kicks renewed life into our Premier League season.”
One downside was the injury to Isak. “We hope it is not too serious but it is very early to say that. We need a proper diagnosis.” Callum Wilson will not be fit to replace him at the weekend. “Our luck has been out all season with injuries.”
But there’s hope that Newcastle’s defence will be much stronger now that Dan Burn and Sven Botman are well and back to their best. “They took time naturally to get back to their best rhythm,” he said. “I definitely see an improvement in our defensive game.”
Miguel Almiron, who impressed after substituting for Isak and amid transfer rumours connecting him to a move elsewhere, was also praised. “What a person and professional he is.” Howe additionally verified the Paraguayan’s intention to remain with the club.
Unai Emery seemed in a much more buoyant mood when he said:
“I told the players I am very proud of them,” Emery said afterwards.
“I am very proud of the supporters at Villa Park. The loss has to come one day. Today, it came. The way we did it was fantastic. We cannot lose perspective. The perspective is that against Newcastle, playing like they did tonight, it is not easy to win.”
“We are in the top five but we know there are other teams contending to be there and one of them is Newcastle. Chelsea and Manchester United. Others like West Ham and Brighton. We are not happy with this result. But I have to understand the perspective.
“I prepared a long time before to tell the players after a defeat that I am very proud of them. I prepared it a long time [ago].”
In terms of the specifics of the game, Emery explained that Bailey, who made such a big impact off the bench, did not start because of a fitness concern. “He came last week with some problems in his back. I decided to start with the same players.”
And he was annoyed by the goals. “We conceded more than normal. We conceded chances, corners and set-pieces. We know what their power is. Their power is set-pieces. They scored two corners at Fulham. They imposed their game plan. Our reaction was a little late.”
Villa travel to Sheffield United next on Saturday, meanwhile Newcastle hos Luton on Saturday as well.
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