Matchday 13’s finale of the Premier League was considerably entertaining and a comprehensive home display by Aston Villa. A perfect victory to change a winless run at home against Newcastle.
The hosts gave Villa Park a great show when they beat Newcastle 2-0. They now are a point closer to the team they overcame in Monday Night Football, Newcastle. Steve Bruce’s handful of player changes, tactical alterations, and formation rearrangement appeared to be costly.
A great undefeated run of three games came to an end for the visitors on the night. The home side, a great start on the return to club football for them. I was under the impression Steve and his team had this wrapped up and we were in for the Magpies fourth victory in as many verses these old foes.
Aston Villa and Newcastle match recap
More from Aston Villa
- Aston Villa eye former Unai Emery prodigy to replace Philippe Coutinho
- Fabrizio Romano: Aston Villa superstar close to joining Qatar’s Al Duhail
- Aston Villa SUPERSTAR arrives in Qatar for medical at new club
- Aston Villa find out Europe opponents and gain experienced defender from Barcelona
- Aston Villa approached by two clubs for their superstar – Emery open to sell
The only goals scored, were those scored by Aston Villa in the first 45 minutes of the game. Not for the lack of trying, there should have been many more slotted in.
Two quick-fire goals clinically put away by Conor Hourihane and Anwar El Ghazi, in the space of four minutes from each other late in the 32nd minute and 36th minute gave too much confidence to Dean Smith heading into the break.
The first of the game was a sublime free-kick taken by Conor Hourihane. The second was not so sexy but yet had the same after effect… A goal and a lead that doubled.
A busy first half allowed for a much-anticipated second half. Unfortunately, there were no goals to follow the action-packed first 45. However, this is not to say the second half was boring and brought forward a less entertaining game.
On the contrary, it was another 45 minutes of back and forth football. Sadly for the Toons, their moves turned into nothing and the game ended with them dropping all the points.
Conor Hourihane was not only a goal scorer but also put in a Man of the Match performance on Monday night. Though, it too was a great team display. Silly challenges in the final third were what ultimately let the away side down. They got punished for being undisciplined.
What this means for the two teams
If Villa can keep up this form at home and chip in the odd surprise win away from home. Like the demolishing of Norwich at Carrow Road, which was one win during the five losses they endured on the road.
They will slip into the next season as a Premier League club. Newcastle needed points from this match and now appears to face another Matchday without collecting any points. What comes next for both Aston Villa and Newcastle are clashes against the two Manchester clubs.
Villa travels to Old Trafford and Newcastle hosts the champions Man City. Good luck to the underdogs cause they will need a lot if.