Alan Shearer delivers 'brilliant' eight-word verdict on Newcastle United's win at Aston Villa

Alan Shearer has delivered his immediate reaction to Newcastle United's 3-1 victory at Aston Villa.

The Magpies went into the game having not won a Premier League fixture away from home since September while Villa had not lost a home league match since February 2023.

But Eddie Howe's produced a somewhat shock result. Fabian Schar opened the scoring in the 32nd minute from Kieran Trippier's corner before the Switzerland international added a second moments later.

It was another Trippier corner that was cleared only as far as Anthony Gordon, whose shot deflected off the crossbar and Schar was quickest to react.

United added a third swiftly after half-time when substitute Miguel Almiron's delivery was hit goalwards by Jacob Murphy before the ball went in via Alex Moreno.

Ollie Watkins pulled one back 15 minutes from time but Howe's men held on to emphatically end a run of four straight Premier League defeats.

Reacting to the result, Shearer posted on X: "Another brilliant away victory. Top performances everywhere tonight."

Assessing his side's performance, Howe said: "Our game plan was to be aggressive and stop their rhythm. We did that well in the first half. They play a high line and we used that well. We had to adjust our plan when they got the goal but the players saw it out well.

"When you're coaching a team, you want them to play how you see the game. That has been there but it's been frustrating. Today I saw the team and the identity we're looking for."