Newcastle United 0-1 Aston Villa: result and report

Report

Aston Villa won 1-0 at Newcastle United, and the narrow scoreline undersells how clearly they had the better chances. Newcastle United had more of the ball in dangerous areas, but Aston Villa created the openings that mattered.

The only goal came on 36 minutes. João Gomes set up Johan Manzambi, who finished to put Aston Villa ahead. Newcastle United never found a reply, so that one moment settled the match.

Manzambi was named player of the match. Because his goal was the difference, the award needs little explanation.

Aston Villa: the better chances

Aston Villa's win rested on chance quality rather than weight of attacks. They finished with 1.72 xG to Newcastle United's 1.30, and with three shots on target to one.

The gap in clear openings was wider still. Aston Villa created three big chances while Newcastle United created none. They also missed two of those big chances and hit the woodwork once, so the margin could easily have been bigger.

Newcastle United: territory without a cutting edge

Newcastle United were not passive, though. They made 72 dangerous attacks to Aston Villa's 41 and sustained more pressure across the match. Possession finished level, and both sides made 12 key passes.

That pressure rarely turned into a real test, despite a starting side that included Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes and Joelinton. One shot on target from six attempts meant the Aston Villa goalkeeper had only one save to make. Newcastle United's xG suggests they found some reasonable positions, but none of them became a big chance.