Credit: Imago

Ben Palmer

Sat 16 August 2025 15:03, UK

Newcastle kicked off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with two notable absences from the starting XI.

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Alexander Isak is currently on strike from Newcastle, and as such, his absence from the Magpies’ curtain-raiser came as little surprise.

However, Eddie Howe could find no room for Jacob Murphy in his starting XI, instead preferring to lead with a front three of Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon, and new signing Anthony Elanga.

Ezri Konsa was shown a red card in the 66th minute from a moment of madness, which should have been the catalyst for the floodgates to open.

Newcastle missed a golden chance to begin their season with a win.

(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

But instead, Newcastle‘s front three were flat and ineffective, and the Magpies were forced to settle for a point in their first game of the season.

Here are Football Insider‘s three winners, and three losers, from Newcastle’s opening-day draw against Villa.

Tino Livramento

Tino Livramento has been on Man City’s radar for much of the summer, and the 22-year-old was one of the best players on the pitch against Villa.

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Should he continue to perform at a high standard, the former Chelsea defender will either earn a huge move to the Etihad, or a big pay rise from his current employer, not bad either way.

Tino Livramento is a target for Man City.

(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Additionally, his versatility makes him a near shoe-in for England’s World Cup squad next year.

Harvey Barnes

The former Leicester City man failed to find an assist or goal, but his inclusion in the starting XI was a huge vote of confidence from his boss.

Barnes repaid that faith by running Matty Cash absolutely ragged, before eventually being replaced in the last minute.

Howe will find it desperately difficult to bench the 27-year-old if he maintains his form, although Newcastle now have a glut of options in wide areas.

Dan Burn

Newcastle signed Malick Thiaw from AC Milan this summer to add to Howe’s options at centre-back.

But the German defender may be forced to wait a while to make his debut for the Magpies, thanks to Dan Burn.

Dan Burn was a formidable presence against Aston Villa.

(Credit Imago)

The former Fulham defender was imperious against one of the Premier League’s most deadly strikers in Ollie Watkins, and Howe will be wary about upsetting the balance of his backline.

Jacob Murphy

Murphy scored nine and assisted 14 times in all competitions for Newcastle last season, and yet the 30-year-old was left out of Howe’s starting XI.

Whilst Elanga’s finishing and delivery were wayward, it would be surprising if the Sweden international does not retain his place as the first choice right-winger, given the Magpies spent £55million signing him from Nottingham Forest [BBC Sport].

Jacob Ramsey joined Newcastle this summer.

(Credit: Imago)

What’s more, Newcastle have agreed a deal for Jacob Ramsey, adding depth to their wide options, which could cause Murphy to slip further down the pecking order.

Aaron Ramsdale

Newcastle wanted James Trafford as a Nick Pope replacement, but the former Burnley man chose to return to Man City this summer instead.

Instead, Howe ended up with Aaron Ramsdale on loan to add to his goalkeeping department.

The former Arsenal man was left on the bench against Villa, and Pope was impressive between the sticks, making it difficult to see how the England international will earn minutes in the North East.

Alexander Isak

Isak did not feature against Villa and is desperate to push through a move to Liverpool.

However, his replacement, Gordon, was miserable against Unai Emery’s side in a more central role.

Alexander Isak wants a move to Liverpool.

(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

On today’s showing, Newcastle cannot afford to lose their star striker and will do everything they can to keep him in the North East, apparently against his will.

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