Aston Villa 1-3 Newcastle: Tonali Stars in FA Cup Comeback Win

In a thrilling FA Cup fourth round clash at Villa Park on February 14, 2026, Newcastle United staged a dramatic comeback to defeat 10-man Aston Villa 3-1, advancing to the fifth round draw.[1][2]

Aston Villa struck first in the 14th minute when Tammy Abraham swept home Douglas Luiz's free-kick, despite appearing offside—no VAR in cup ties meant the goal stood. Villa's lead held into halftime, but chaos ensued on the stroke of the break.[1][2]

Goalkeeper Marco Bizot was sent off for a wild challenge on Jacob Murphy, reducing Villa to 10 men after earlier leniency for Lucas Digne's foul on the same player. Newcastle, backed by over 6,500 fans, dominated the second half.[1][2]

Sandro Tonali equalized in the 63rd minute with a deflected long-range strike off a free kick, beating Emiliano Martinez. Thirteen minutes later, Tonali's golazo—a low rocket from Dan Burn's square pass—put Newcastle 2-1 up, sparking wild celebrations for manager Eddie Howe.[1]

Nick Woltemade sealed the victory in the 88th minute, capitalizing on Villa's defensive errors. Joe Willock's knock-on after Emiliano Buendia's hesitation allowed Woltemade to round out the scoring.[1]

Key subs included Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga, and Joe Willock for Newcastle, and Ollie Watkins plus Emiliano Buendia for Villa. Newcastle's lineup featured Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Trippier, and Harvey Barnes, who nearly equalized earlier.[1][2]

Unai Emery's Villa perplexed early but crumbled, while Newcastle overcame their third-round penalty shootout win over Bournemouth. This mirrored last season's 3-2 triumph at Birmingham in the same round.[2]

Goals: Abraham 14' (Villa); Tonali 63', 76', Woltemade 88' (Newcastle). Newcastle's resilience shines ahead of league tests.[1]