Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Sat 16 August 2025 14:38, UK

Eddie Howe will be frustrated after Newcastle United could only claim a single point against Aston Villa away from home.

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Following an extremely frustrating first 45 minutes at Villa Park, with Joelinton’s yellow card the only major talking point, the Magpies continued pushing for victory without Alexander Isak.

Ezri Konsa was given his marching orders just after the hour mark, bringing Anthony Gordon down in a denial of a goalscoring opportunity, to give Howe’s side a clear advantage on Saturday, 16 August.

Despite the red card, the Magpies were forced to return home with just a point as neither side could hit the back of the net in their opening game of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

Nick Pope – 8

Commanded his penalty area well, coming for high claims when called upon, and got his body behind a couple of shots to shut out any chance of Villa taking the lead.

Kieran Trippier – 5

Offered very little in the final third, even despite Newcastle’s dominance and one-man advantage for the final 30 minutes.

Messed up a free-kick situation.

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Fabian Schar – 8

Continued to win many of his battles at Villa Park, not allowing Ollie Watkins or Morgan Rogers an inch to attack.

Threw his weight around but did very little to add to the final third.

Bruno Guimaraes – 3

Extremely ineffective against Villa.

Was marked out of the game, becoming extremely frustrated by the lack of service into him, and that showed in his performance.

Anthony Elanga (Off for Murphy 78?) – 7

A superb first appearance in Newcastle colours, dragging the Magpies forward and causing issues all over the park.

Supplied the pass before Konsa’s sending off.

Anthony Elanga made his Newcastle United debut.

(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Harvey Barnes (Off for Osula 90?) – 7

Created multiple chances for the Magpies, and with his previous record against the Villans, he will be disappointed not to get himself on the scoresheet.

Anthony Gordon – 9 – Man of the Match

While he was a little wasteful with his shooting opportunities, he proved to be extremely dangerous in Isak’s absence, with his run causing Konsa to be sent off.

Substitutes

Jacob Murphy (On for Elanga 78?) – 5

Kept the ball well, attempting to find pockets of space, but was not nearly as exciting as Elanga.

Lewis Miley (On for Joelinton 83?) – 4

Barely noticeable after coming on.

William Osula (On for Barnes 90?) – 6

One of the only players brave enough to shoot from distance.
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