Newcastle
Aston Villa
Newcastle vs Aston Villa Match Commentary
Newcastle vs Aston Villa Match Overview: 0-2 Premier League
Newcastle left St James’ Park with the familiar sting of a performance that deserved more but delivered nothing, as Aston Villa rode early quality and late ruthlessness to a 0-2 win on 2026-01-25. In this Newcastle vs Aston Villa Match Report, Emiliano Buendía’s thunderous opener set the tone against the run of play, before Ollie Watkins’ late header sealed a Newcastle vs Aston Villa Result that will feel harsh on the hosts. The Newcastle vs Aston Villa Scoreline read clinical; the story was far messier, full of near-misses, big saves, and a final surge that never quite became a comeback.
First Half
Newcastle began with intent and immediacy, forcing Emiliano Martínez into early work as Sandro Tonali’s solo run ended with a low shot pushed away. That early rhythm suggested a home side ready to impose themselves, with Lewis Miley’s delivery and Harvey Barnes’ movement constantly asking questions down the flanks.
But Aston Villa carried a sharper edge in the moments that mattered. Buendía tested Nick Pope from distance, and Villa’s confidence grew with Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins finding pockets between Newcastle’s midfield and back line. The breakthrough arrived on 19 minutes: Buendía stepped into space and unleashed a fierce strike from medium range that arrowed inside the left post. It was a goal that flipped the emotional temperature inside the stadium—Newcastle had started brightly, yet suddenly trailed.
To their credit, Eddie Howe’s side didn’t fold. Barnes and Miley combined to create a headed chance that Martínez clawed away superbly, while Wissa’s late first-half header lacked the pace to truly trouble the Villa keeper. The pattern was set: Newcastle had the ball and territory; Villa had the lead and the calm to wait for the next opening.
Key Moments
- Buendía struck a sensational opener from range to put Aston Villa ahead in the 19th minute.
- Martínez produced a standout save to deny Miley’s header as Newcastle pushed for an equaliser.
- Joelinton’s injury disrupted Newcastle’s midfield balance early in the second half.
- Pope kept Newcastle alive with sharp stops from Rogers and Watkins before the late killer blow.
- Watkins powered in a close-range header after Digne’s delivery to make it 0-2 late on.
- A stoppage-time penalty shout for Aston Villa was waved away, adding one last flashpoint.
Second Half
The second period began with a setback for Newcastle as Joelinton went down and was forced off, a change that altered the physical tone of their press. Still, the hosts kept coming. Barnes twice threatened from the edge of the box, and when he finally found the right delivery, Anthony Gordon arrived inside the area only to slice over—one of those moments that can define a home side’s day.
Villa, though, were never passive. Rogers repeatedly found room to shoot from distance, and Pope had to be at his best to keep the deficit at one. Unai Emery’s substitutions gradually tilted the match toward control: Leon Bailey’s pace offered an outlet, while the later introduction of Lucas Digne gave Villa a more natural crossing threat from the left.
Newcastle’s changes—fresh legs in attack and midfield—kept the pressure simmering, yet the final action often lacked the clean touch. Martínez commanded his box through corners, and when Newcastle did finally get a clear look, bodies in black and claret threw themselves into blocks.
The decisive moment arrived late. After Watkins had already been denied by another excellent Pope save, Villa won space wide and Digne delivered a teasing cross. Watkins attacked it with conviction, guiding a low header into the middle of the goal for 0-2. It was ruthless, and it punctured the last belief inside St James’ Park. Deep into added time, Villa even had a strong penalty appeal waved away, but it didn’t matter—Newcastle’s late efforts, including Barnes’ long-range drive that ricocheted off a teammate, couldn’t change the outcome.
For anyone searching Newcastle vs Aston Villa Highlights, this was a match of goalkeeping, fine margins, and Villa’s ability to land the bigger punches despite Newcastle’s sustained spells of pressure. The Newcastle vs Aston Villa Goals came from Buendía’s brilliance and Watkins’ striker’s instinct—two moments that decided everything.
Newcastle vs Aston Villa Stats Breakdown
The numbers underline why this felt so frustrating for the home crowd. Newcastle had 61% possession and generated 2.18 xG to Villa’s 1.15, a telling xG analysis that points to chances created without the finishing touch. Aston Villa, however, hit the target more often (8 shots on target to Newcastle’s 4) and forced Pope into 6 saves, compared with 4 for Martínez.
Newcastle registered 15 total shots to Villa’s 14, with a similar count of touches in the opposition box (24 vs 26). The difference was efficiency in the decisive zones: Villa’s final pass and final header arrived when it mattered. Discipline also leaned Villa’s way in terms of physicality—12 fouls conceded to Newcastle’s 7—as they disrupted rhythm at key moments without losing shape.
This Newcastle vs Aston Villa Stats picture supports the eye test: Newcastle controlled long phases, but Villa’s shot quality on target and set defensive resilience carried them through. In Newcastle vs Aston Villa Analysis, it was a classic away performance—absorb, survive, strike.
Newcastle vs Aston Villa Lineups
Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Miley, Tonali, Joelinton; Barnes, Wissa, Gordon.
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Onana, Tielemans; Sancho, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins.
Player of the Match
Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa) was the difference between a nervy afternoon and a statement win. His handling under pressure, authority on crosses, and crucial first-half saves—especially from Miley—gave Villa the platform to stay composed until their second goal arrived. Buendía supplied the magic, Watkins delivered the finish, but Martínez made the lead feel protectable.
What the Result Means
For Aston Villa, this Newcastle vs Aston Villa Result is the kind of away win that fuels momentum: resilient without the ball, decisive in both boxes, and backed by a goalkeeper playing at the top of his game. For Newcastle, it’s a painful reminder that dominance doesn’t guarantee points—especially when key chances go begging and injuries force reshuffles at critical times.
Supporters looking back at the Newcastle match today will see enough to believe the performance level is there; the finishing and final decision-making weren’t. Villa fans reflecting on the Aston Villa match today will see a side that can suffer and still find a way to win—an attribute that often defines the best campaigns.
That's the end of the match.
90+7'
One of the Aston Villa players is in on goal but gets upended by the defender in the box. That could be a penalty, but the ref says NO! Play continues.
90+5'
Harvey Barnes (Newcastle Utd) fires the ball towards goal from outside the penalty area, but it is blocked by one of his teammates.
90+2'
This yellow card was deserved. The tackle by Ian Maatsen (Aston Villa) was quite harsh and Jarred Gillett didn't hesitate to show him a yellow card.
90'
The fourth official shows 8 min. of added time.
89'
Here comes a substitution. Victor Lindelof (Aston Villa) is brought on as a substitute for Amadou Onana.
88'
0 - 2
Goal! Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) makes the score 0:2 after burying a close-range header low in the middle of the goal after a good run and cross by Lucas Digne.
87'
Aston Villa force a corner. They send men into the box.
87'
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) wastes an opportunity. He has a lot of space around him and fires in a terrific shot from long range straight towards the top left corner, but the goalkeeper makes a brilliant save and stops this one!
84'
Substitution. Joe Willock (Newcastle Utd) replaces Sandro Tonali.
82'
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) takes the resulting free kick from the edge of the box. His effort heads for the top of the net, but Nick Pope denies him.
81'
The current number of fouls conceded by both teams is 7:11.
80'
Sandro Tonali (Newcastle Utd) makes a bad challenge and the referee blows his whistle for a foul. It's a free kick to Aston Villa, but it's in no position for a direct shot on goal.
79'
Lucas Digne (Aston Villa) is booked after bringing down an opponent. Jarred Gillett had an easy-decision to make.
78'
Emiliano Martinez leaps to collect the ball from the corner which was sent over by Lewis Miley (Newcastle Utd).
78'
Anthony Elanga (Newcastle Utd) sends a long crossfield pass searching out one of his teammates, but his effort comes to nothing and they lose possession. Now Newcastle have a corner.
75'
Unai Emery has decided to substitute Emiliano Buendia and he is replaced by Lucas Digne (Aston Villa).
75'
We are about to witness a subsitution. Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa) for Pau Torres.
74'
Lamare Bogarde (Aston Villa) comes onto the pitch because Youri Tielemans simply cannot continue any longer after picking up an injury.
74'
The percentage of ball possession is – 62:38.
70'
Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa) requires medical treatment, so the referee stops play and signals for the physio to come onto the pitch.
69'
The corner is swung in but Newcastle can’t take advantage as a defender sweeps the ball away.
66'
Sven Botman (Newcastle Utd) is well placed to meet a cross and sends a difficult header towards the left post, but the goalkeeper reacts well to stop the effort.
65'
Matty Cash (Aston Villa) makes a rough challenge and Jarred Gillett blows his whistle for a foul.
63'
The game has come to an end for Anthony Gordon. He has contributed as much as he could today. He will be replaced by the fresh legs of Anthony Elanga (Newcastle Utd).
62'
Eddie Howe has decided to introduce fresh legs, with Nick Woltemade (Newcastle Utd) replacing Yoane Wissa.
62'
The corner from Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa) is hurriedly cleared.
61'
What a goal-scoring opportunity! Leon Bailey (Aston Villa) finds some space inside the box and gets in a strike, but the shot is brilliantly blocked by one of the defending players sliding in.
59'
Substitution. Jadon Sancho did his best and is replaced by Leon Bailey (Aston Villa).
58'
A corner kick by Newcastle is thwarted by the well prepared Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa).
56'
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) wastes an opportunity. He finds himself in acres of space and fires in a terrific shot from long range straight towards the right side of the target, but the goalkeeper makes a brilliant save and stops this one!
55'
Anthony Gordon (Newcastle Utd) is first to react to a great cross from Harvey Barnes, but slices his shot high over the bar from inside the box.
53'
Jarred Gillett blows his whistle and it's Harvey Barnes (Newcastle Utd) who is penalised for an offensive foul. Good decision by the referee.
51'
Kieran Trippier (Newcastle Utd) sends in a poor cross from the corner and Emiliano Martinez has no trouble gathering it.
51'
Harvey Barnes (Newcastle Utd) does well on the edge of the box to find space and powers a shot in on goal that just goes over the bar.
48'
Joelinton (Newcastle Utd) is substituted due to injury. Eddie Howe gives a chance to Jacob Ramsey.
47'
Joelinton (Newcastle Utd) is down injured and the referee stops play so that he can receive medical treatment.
46'
Harvey Barnes (Newcastle Utd) shoots from outside the box, but his effort is blocked.
46'
The referee blows his whistle to signal the start of the second half.
45+5'
That is it for the first half after the referee blows his whistle and the players head to their respective dressing rooms.
45+5'
Yoane Wissa (Newcastle Utd) rises high to head a nice lofted cross towards the middle of the goal. Unfortunately for him, his close-range effort lacks pace and Emiliano Martinez makes a comfortable save.
45+4'
The resulting corner comes to nothing as Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa) sends it out of play.
45+3'
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) races towards goal but the defender gets back well to make a challenge.
45'
4 min. of stoppage-time to be played.
43'
Emiliano Martinez makes a superb save to deny a header which was nodded towards the top left corner by Lewis Miley (Newcastle Utd) after a cross from the side.
42'
The keeper doesn't have to worry about this one. Emiliano Buendia (Aston Villa) sacrificed accuracy for power, and thus his attempt went well wide of the right post.
39'
Harvey Barnes (Newcastle Utd) attempts to feed Yoane Wissa with a chip pass, but Emiliano Martinez reacts well and comes off his line to intercept.
38'
Kieran Trippier (Newcastle Utd) takes the corner, but the opposition's defence is ready and clears the ball to safety.
38'
Lewis Miley (Newcastle Utd) crosses the ball into the box, but one of the defending players averts the threat. The ball is out of play. Newcastle will have a chance to score from a corner.
35'
The current number of shots on target for both teams is 1:6.
35'
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) slaloms his way past challenges, but an opposing player does well to get the ball away.
33'
Emiliano Buendia (Aston Villa) is unlucky with a goal-bound effort from the edge of the box. A fortuitous save from Nick Pope stops the ball from going into the middle of the goal.
32'
Lewis Miley (Newcastle Utd) sends a beautiful cross into the penalty area, but the opposition's defence manages to clear the ball to safety.
30'
Kieran Trippier (Newcastle Utd) is adjudged to have been offside when making his run.
28'
The game is interrupted now, Amadou Onana (Aston Villa) picks up a knock and the physio has to come on.
27'
What was Joelinton (Newcastle Utd) thinking? He will not get away with that. The referee shows him a yellow card.
24'
The defender bravely blocks the shot from Matty Cash (Aston Villa) inside the box.
22'
Sandro Tonali (Newcastle Utd) is clearly asking for some medical attention with his painful gestures. The extent of his injury is yet to be discovered.
21'
Joelinton (Newcastle Utd) commits a rough challenge and Jarred Gillett blows his whistle for an infringement.
19'
0 - 1
Emiliano Buendia (Aston Villa) struck from medium range. He smashed the ball inside the left post. What a hit! Pure magic.
16'
Anthony Gordon (Newcastle Utd) tries to slide the ball through to a teammate but it's well blocked by a defender.
13'
The ball is out of play and the linesman points at the corner flag. Corner to Newcastle.
12'
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) takes a great touch after receiving a pass inside the box. He immediately unleashes a low shot to the middle of the goal, but the keeper pulls off a decent save!
11'
Lewis Hall (Newcastle Utd) is heading toward the corner flag to take the set piece.
10'
Harvey Barnes (Newcastle Utd) attempts to find his teammate with a pass from outside the box, but the opposition's defence is quick to react and thwarts the attack.
5'
Emiliano Buendia (Aston Villa) gets into a good scoring position. He creates some space for himself and tries his luck from distance. His decent effort towards the right post is, however, superbly saved by Nick Pope!
4'
Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa) will deliver the ball into the penalty box from a corner kick.
1'
Sandro Tonali (Newcastle Utd) produced a promising shot low towards the middle of the goal after his wonderful solo run, but Emiliano Martinez thwarted him with a fabulous save and the score remains the same.
1'
The first half has just begun.
Yoane Wissa (Newcastle Utd) rises above the opponent's defence and heads a precise cross towards the middle of the goal. His effort, however, is blocked by Emiliano Martinez, who pulls off a comfortable save!
The players are out at last! Newcastle will take the kick-off.
Jarred Gillett will supervise the game today.
Show lineups
You can have a look at the starting XIs of both teams in the details of this match.
Welcome to our minute-by-minute commentary of today's clash. You can enjoy a written form of everything important that will be happening on the pitch. Have fun.