Newcastle United’s six-game winning run came to an abrupt end with a 4-1 defeat against Aston Villa.
Fabian Schar cancelled out Ollie Watkins’ first minute opener but the hosts ran riot 10 second-half minutes through Ian Maatsen, Amadou Onana and own goal from Dan Burn. The Magpies stay third in the Premier League table but their advantage over the Champions League chasing pack was cut to two points.
Newcastle’sstarting XI was unchanged for a seventh consecutive game, becoming the first Premier League team since Leicester City in 2016 to do that.
The Magpies had won their last six matches in all competitions while Villa headed into the game on the back of valiantly exiting the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
And it was the hosts who took the lead after just 40 seconds when Ollie Watkins’ shot deflected off Fabian Schar and past Nick Pope. Watkins was denied a second moments later when his strike hit the inside of the post.
Newcastle managed to draw level in the 18th minute when Schar headed home Harvey Barnes’ in-swinging cross. Villa felt aggrieved after minutes earlier making a case for a Schar red card when he brought down Watkins, who was in goal.
But it didn’t have a bearing on the game in the end. Maatsen put Villa 2-1 up in the 64th minute before an own goal from Burn and a wonderful strike by Onana put the Emery’s side out of sight.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at Villa Park - and here are his Newcastle United player ratings:
1. Nick Pope - 7
Pulled off numerous saves and still conceded four goals. Tells you how much he was peppered. | Getty Images
2. Kieran Trippier - 3.5
Targeted by Aston Villa and will be having nightmares after struggling to deal with their directness and pace. Dragged out of position on several occasions. Wasn’t helped by his teammates mind. | AFP via Getty Images
3. Fabian Schar - 5
Rattled by Ollie Watkins defensively and perhaps fortunate to stay on the pitch after bringing down the Aston Villa striker in on goal. Just had to be him that scored the equaliser. A real mixed bag. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Dan Burn - 6
Burn was the best of Newcastle’s back four. Committed. Was unfortunate to turn the ball into his own net for 3-1. | AFP via Getty Images