Aston Villa 1-3 Newcastle United: Match Report

A brace from Fabian Schar and an own goal from Alex Moreno put the Toon in control before Ollie Watkins' consolation effort saw the game finish 3-1.

Eddie Howe's side did lose Alexander Isak through injury, leaving them without a recognised striker in the squad, and just one day left of the transfer deadline. 

It was an impressive start from Newcastle in the Midlands, with Anthony Gordon stretching Villa's high line on a number of occasions. 

His run created an opportunity for Isak before he shot wide, before another attempt from the English winger was deflected just over Emiliano Martinez's crossbar. 

However, from the resulting corner, Newcastle took the lead. Kieran Trippier's wicked delivery was met by Fabian Schar to steer the ball past Martinez for 1-0. 

Just four minutes later, and it was 2-0, with Schar the scorer again. Gordon's long-range effort was deflected onto the bar and with Martinez helpless, the Swiss centre-back tapped in from a yard out.

Villa have been hugely impressive at home this season but the home fans were losing faith in their side, and Newcastle sealed the points shortly into the second half. 

Miguel Almiron was set free down the left and his cross was perfect for Jacob Murphy, although his effort perhaps would have gone wide if it wasn't for Moreno, who suffered the ignominy of scoring the own goal and colliding with the post. 

Howe switched to five-at-the-back to keep Villa at bay but they were still dangerous, with Sven Botman clearing Moussa Diaby's effort off the line after he rounded Martin Dubravka. 

Watkins did pull one back when he converted from Leon Bailey's cross, but Newcastle never looked in real danger of failing to see the game out. 

Sean Longstaff should have scored after being fed by Bruno Guimaraes in the area, but his effort was saved by Martinez.

It's been a good week for Newcastle, who face Luton Town next at St James' Park on Saturday afternoon.