Newcastle United pulled off a stunning upset on Tuesday, ending Aston Villa’s formidable unbeaten home run in the Premier League that had stretched for almost a year.
Newcastle United delivered a stunning blow to Aston Villa’s fortress with a 3-1 triumph on Tuesday, marking Villa’s first home loss in the Premier League in almost a year.
The Magpies seized control with two first-half goals from Fabian Schär and capitalized further on an own-goal by Alex Moreno after the break.
Ollie Watkins managed to salvage a consolation goal for the hosts, ending Villa’s impressive home league record that had endured since last February. Despite the defeat, Villa maintains fourth place in the standings.
However, the precariousness of their position is evident, having played more games than table-toppers Liverpool and third-placed Manchester City. Tottenham could also pose a threat if they secure a win against Brentford.
Newcastle, having stumbled in six of their previous seven league games, orchestrated a remarkable comeback, propelling them to seventh place. Although still 11 points behind Villa, the win revitalized their campaign for a coveted top-four finish.
The pivotal moment came when Swiss center-back Fabian Schär broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute with a spectacular half-volley from a corner. He swiftly added a second, securing a comfortable lead for Newcastle.
The visitors faced adversity just before halftime as Swedish striker Alexander Isak succumbed to injury, leading to Miguel Almirón’s substitution and winger Anthony Gordon moving to the front.
Villa’s John McGinn had a missed opportunity just before the break, but his header from a corner failed to find the mark.
Newcastle extended their lead seven minutes into the second half, with Jacob Murphy capitalizing on a brilliant ball from Miguel Almirón, leading to an own goal by Villa’s Álex Moreno.
Despite concerns over goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka’s fitness, he endured and completed the game after receiving treatment multiple times.
The introduction of Leon Bailey injected vigor into Villa’s attack, resulting in Ollie Watkins pulling a goal back in the 71st minute. Watkins, however, faced disappointment with another effort ruled out for offside.
In the end, Newcastle held on comfortably, securing their seventh spot in the table with 32 points, while Villa remains in fourth with 43 points. The match showcased the unpredictability of the Premier League and added another layer of excitement to the ongoing season.
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