Newcastle United ended a run of four straight Premier League defeats with a memorable 3-1 victory at Champions League chasing Aston Villa.
A first-half brace from Fabian Schar and a goal from Jacob Murphy just after the break saw Eddie Howe's men claim only their second league away win of the campaign and in the process inflict a first home loss on Villa in 2022-23.
Miguel Almiron was back in the squad after recovering from illness but Howe kept faith with the same starting XI that beat Fulham 2-0 in the FA Cup on Saturday.
The Magpies, who had only won once on their Premier League travels this campaign prior to kick-off, started the better and deservedly took the lead in the 32nd minute when Schar got on the end of Kieran Trippier's corner.
United then swiftly their advantage. Another Trippier corner was cleared only as far as Anthony Gordon, whose shot deflected onto the crossbar and Schar was quickest to react to the loose ball to poke home his second.
A brilliant first-half performance by the Magpies did end on a sour note however with Alexander Isak forced to withdraw. That saw Almiron introduced down the left with Gordon switching to the central striker position.
Almiron provided an assist in the 52nd minute when his cross was met by Murphy before the ball went in off Villa defender Alex Moreno. The hosts pulled one back with 15 minutes remaining through Ollie Watkins but United managed to hold out.
Here's our Newcastle United player ratings from Villa Park:
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2. Martin Dubravka - 7.5
Barely tested for much of the evening before being beaten by Ollie Watkins. Carried on despite taking a knock from a collision with Watkins. Claimed numerous crosses.
3. Kieran Trippier - 8
Showed his set-piece quality with two corners that led to both of Schar’s goals. Excellently defensively too after allowing Villa little joy down the right.
4. Fabian Schar - 9
We’re all aware Schar is a maverick defender and so that proved tonight with two goals! Also stuck to his defensive task by clearing a shot off the line.