Twelve days can feel like an eternity in the Premier League. Just over a week ago, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side looked out of sorts, suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Everton that sent ripples through their title aspirations. Yet, true to the unpredictable rhythms of the EPL, Villa rebounded in spectacular fashion—traveling to the formidable St James’ Park and emerging 2-0 victors over a strong Newcastle United outfit. The performance was a vivid reminder of why Villa remain firmly in the title conversation this season.
Lightning start, nerves, and the Buendia breakthrough
From the opening whistle, Newcastle threatened to snatch control. Within just 37 seconds, Sandro Tonali nearly gave the hosts the perfect start, his snap effort narrowly missing the mark. The Magpies pressed with the kind of urgency their proud home support demands, setting a frenetic early pace.
But Villa’s composure helped them weather the storm. As the minutes ticked by, their confidence grew, and they began to probe Newcastle’s defensive lines with purpose. In the 19th minute, Emiliano Buendia delivered a moment of real quality—seizing on a half-chance to send a thunderous strike beyond Nick Pope.
Martinez: the 200-game guardian
As Newcastle surged forward in pursuit of an equalizer, Villa relied on Emiliano Martinez’s spectacular reflexes and leadership at the back. Making his 200th league appearance for the club, the Argentine international denied Lewis Miley with an incisive save before halftime—a key moment that kept Villa’s slender lead intact. Martinez’s presence between the posts continues to inject calm, even when Villa’s defence is stretched.
A turning point: Joelinton’s injury and Newcastle’s blunted edge
Hope flickered for the home crowd early in the second half, but was quickly extinguished. Joelinton, a key midfield dynamo for Newcastle, limped off with injury soon after the restart. The Magpies tried to rally, but the rhythm was lost. Newcastle’s attacking forays became increasingly desperate, and despite conjuring a whopping 2.3 expected goals (xG), they couldn’t find a way past Villa. This was their highest xG in a league game without scoring since September 2022—a frustrating statistic that hints at deeper attacking woes.
Watkins and Digne seal the statement victory
As the clock ticked towards full-time, Villa’s attacking edge sharpened. Ollie Watkins—a constant menace in the forward line—forced Nick Pope into a sprawling save with a stinging shot from range. Minutes later, he latched onto a sublime Lucas Digne cross and headed home Villa’s second goal, capping a breakaway move worthy of any highlight reel.
Notably:
- Villa’s goalscorers, Buendia and Watkins, dominated the attacking stats, both registering a team-high four shots and three on target.
- Digne’s assist was his fifth of the season, reaffirming his status as one of the league’s most creative fullbacks.
- Villa have now scored 13 goals from outside the box this term—the most of any club in the top flight, and their highest tally since the 2007-08 season.
Statistics, milestones, and what comes next
Buendia’s opener isn’t just a goal for the highlight reels—it marks Villa’s ongoing commitment to creative, long-range strikes. Their knack for the spectacular sets them apart in the title race, and with this away masterclass, they’ve drawn level with Manchester City on points.
For Newcastle, the loss is particularly sobering. It was their first home league defeat since September, compounded by a lack of clinical finishing in front of goal. Now, with a crunch Champion League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain looming, Eddie Howe’s men must regroup quickly.