(Credit: Imago)

Jack Heath

Sat 16 August 2025 16:04, UK

Aston Villa struggled to get past a tricky Newcastle side as they were held to a 0-0 draw on the opening game of the Premier League season.

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In a surprising turn of events considering the Alexander Isak to Liverpool rumours which have been a big black cloud over the head of St James’ Park, Newcastle were the better side.

Neither side could break the deadlock, however, despite Villa’s Konsa dragging down Anthony Gordon as he was through on goal, receiving a red card in the process.

On what was largely a tame 12.30 kick-off, there were a few standout performers for the Villains combined with some concerning showings.

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Filling in for the suspended Emi Martinez are always big boots to fill, yet the Dutchman acclimatised quickly to life in the English top-flight.

The 34-year-old made SAVES and looked confident when claiming the ball both in the air and running out to close down attackers.

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If his Argentinian competition ends up leaving Villa Park, the number 40 looks in line to take the number one spot for sure.

Whilst the Aston Villa attacking midfielders failed to impress, it was the Frenchman who was integral to intercepting passes and stopping the Magpies’ counter-attacks.

The number 44 won eight of his 11 duels in the match as well as completing 32 of his 38 passes as he looked to set his side on the front foot.

Moreover, the defensive midfielder stepped in at centre-back to cover for Konsa after he was dismissed, showing an awesome ability to adapt.

Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images

The Poland international was sensational at the back for the Midlands club, blocking five shots as well as making three clearances.

The 28-year-old had his work cut out against a nippy Harvey Barnes, yet the former Nottingham Forest man did well to keep the Englishman under wraps.

The England international had a relatively straightforward first half, but a last ditch tackle saw him see red as he pulled down Anthony Gordon through on goal.

At a point in the match where Aston Villa were just starting to get some momentum after a woeful first 45 minutes, the number four’s dismissal was a huge blow for Emery.

Ezri Konsa v Newcastle (16 August)Minutes played66Accurate passes30/33Ground duels (won)4 (2)Aerial duels (won)1 (1)Red cards1(Source: Sofascore)

What an awful performance from a normally dependable source, John McGinn had a day to forget in front of Villa Park.

The Scotsman lost possession a whopping 14 times, whilst also being wasteful on the ball, failing to deliver the final pass into the attacking third which limited Villa’s progression going forward.

Donyell Malen replaced him for the final six minutes and the Dutchman looked significantly better than the skipper despite just entering the fray.

An underwhelming showing from Rogers (Credit: Imago)

Normally one of Aston Villa’s best players, the young Englishman, like McGinn and Youri Tielemans was careless on the ball, frustrating Watkins up top.

The number 27 lost the ball an eye-watering 19 times as well as completing just 50% of his 20 passes, summing up the disjointed nature of the attack.

Tipped to be the main man this season, it looks like the 23-year-old needs to reassess his performance and come back stronger against Brentford.

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