Here are our player ratings from Newcastle United‘s narrow but crucial 1-0 win over Aston Villa in the Premier League. Kieran Trippier’s deflected free-kick in the first half was enough to hand the Magpies all three points.
Newcastle United started the game relatively better than the visitors. Just after the half-hour mark, Saint-Maximin laid off the ball in the path of Joe Willock who charged towards the Aston Villa box. Calum Chamber brought down the Magpies midfielder just outside the box. The referee’s initial decision was to award Newcastle a penalty, which was overturned by VAR. Trippier scored with the resulting free-kick to give Newcastle United the lead. His shot deflected off Buendia and ended up in the back of the net. The home side took their 1 goal lead into halftime.
Aston Villa improved after the first 45 and looked a little more threatening in the second half. They even managed to put the ball past Dubravka in the second half as Coutinho’s shot deflected into the path of Watkins who headed in from close range. But the goal was chalked off by VAR as Watkins was in an offside position when Coutinho struck the ball.
This win was immense for the Magpies as it puts them 17th on the table, 4 points clear of Norwich and the drop zone. They are now unbeaten in their last five league games. Slowly but surely, they are heading towards retaining Premier League football for next season.
Aston Villa have now failed to beat Newcastle United in their last 13 Premier League meetings at the St. James Park. Their last win there came in April 2005 when they won 0-3.
Newcastle United player ratings vs Aston Villa
Martin Dubravka: 6/10
The Slovak professional had a comfortable night in between the sticks for Newcastle. Aston Villa forced just one save out of the keeper which was fairly straightforward.
Kieran Trippier: 8/10
The stand-in captain for the day came up with the good for the Magpies. He scored the crucial goal that eventually proved to be the winner. Walked off injured just after the beginning of the second half.
Fabian Schar: 7.5/10
Took a knockoff Trippier in the first half but remained unfazed. Put in a solid performance despite playing in some pain. Played a key part in Newcastle keeping the clean sheet.
Dan Burn: 8.5/10
Excellent home debut for the English centre-back. Dealt well with the threat of Watkins. Won everything in the air and was commanding in the Newcastle backline.
Javier Manquillo 6/10
Taken off just before halftime. Did not do much wrong while he was on the pitch. Kept the right side of Aston Villa fairly quiet.
Jonjo Shelvey: 7/10
Battle hard in the middle of the park and tracked back to keep up with Coutinho. Gave a lot of support to the back-line. Played the anchor role quite well and helped distribute the ball to the players above him.
Joelinton: 7/10
A machine for Newcastle in the midfield. A very energetic performance with some brilliant tackling. Cleaned up in the midfield but did not offer much in terms of attacking play.
Willock: 7.5/10
Won the crucial free-kick that resulted in the goal. Full of running and won more fouls than any other player on the pitch. Impressive outing for the English midfielder.
Ryan Fraser: 7/10
Put in some decent crosses for his teammates. Created trouble for Villa down their left-hand side. Tracked back to help his full-back.
Allan Saint-Maximin: 7/10
Almost scored in the second half as his shot from outside the box just went wide of the post. Always a threat going forward with his direct approach and quick feet.
Mark Wood: 6/10
Could have made some better decisions in key attacking areas. Dominant in the air but failed to force a goal.
Substitutes
Paul Dummet: 6/10
Did a decent job defensively but looked shaky at times. Received no help from Saint-Maximin.
Emil Krafth: 6/10
Came on for Kieran Trippier just after halftime. Did the job for his team and is likely to start the next game in the absence of Trippier.
Bruno Guimaraes: Na
Came on too late to influence the game in any way.
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