Newcastle supporters and Alan Shearer make their feelings known on Alexander Isak
Newcastle United walked away from Villa Park with mixed emotions after a performance that was, in many respects, highly encouraging but ultimately frustrating. The Magpies were the superior side for long stretches of the game, creating more chances and enjoying territorial dominance. Yet, their inability to convert opportunities into goals — even after being handed a numerical advantage — meant they had to settle for just a point.
The contest turned on several key moments, not least Ezri Konsa’s dismissal midway through the second half for hauling down Anthony Gordon when clean through on goal. Despite that, Newcastle could not find the breakthrough that their control of the game deserved.
Manager Eddie Howe, though pleased with the way his team coped following a turbulent summer and the absence of key forward Alexander Isak, will have left Birmingham feeling a tinge of regret. This was a match Newcastle could — and arguably should — have won.
—
First-Half Superiority but No Reward
The opening 45 minutes belonged almost exclusively to Newcastle. Howe’s men were sharper, quicker, and far more purposeful than their hosts, carving out openings with relative ease. The statistics painted a clear picture: the Magpies registered eight attempts on goal compared to Villa’s none, while enjoying 22 touches in the penalty area. In contrast, Unai Emery’s side could only muster five.
Despite their dominance, the scoreboard remained stubbornly blank. Villa, unusually passive and seemingly caught off guard by Newcastle’s tempo, were fortunate to still be level at the interval. Emery will have breathed a sigh of relief, knowing his team had ridden their luck to remain in contention.
—
Villa Fight Back After the Break
The second half began with Villa showing far more intent. Almost immediately, Newcastle’s goalkeeper Nick Pope — a virtual spectator during the opening period — was forced into action, saving a close-range header from Boubacar Kamara. Moments later, Youri Tielemans whipped in a dangerous cross that only needed a touch but escaped everyone and drifted wide.
For a brief spell, it appeared the home side had regained momentum and might seize control. But Newcastle quickly found a response through their own pace and counter-attacking threat.
—
Konsa’s Red Card Shifts the Momentum
The pivotal moment arrived in the 66th minute when Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon combined to devastating effect on the break. Elanga’s searing pace unsettled Villa’s back line, and Gordon latched onto his teammate’s through ball, leaving Konsa no choice but to make a desperate intervention. The centre-half hauled Gordon to the ground, denying a clear goalscoring chance. Referee’s decision was straightforward: a straight red card.
With Villa reduced to ten men, Newcastle had a golden opportunity to press home their advantage. Yet, despite seeing more of the ball, penning the hosts back, and working the ball into dangerous areas, they repeatedly failed to apply the finishing touch.
—
Missed Chances and Howe’s Frustration
By the final whistle, Newcastle’s superiority in numbers and opportunities was not reflected in the scoreline. They had 13 attempts on goal compared to Villa’s three and more than double the touches inside the opposition box. However, poor decision-making and wayward finishing let them down.
Perhaps the best example came late on when Harvey Barnes blazed an 89th-minute chance wildly off target — his effort drifting closer to the corner flag than the net. It was a miss that summed up Newcastle’s afternoon: plenty of promise, but lacking the ruthless edge in front of goal.
—
Howe’s Verdict
In the build-up to this season opener, Howe had admitted that he would be “thrilled” to come away from Villa Park with any sort of positive result, given that Emery’s side had not lost a home league game for over a year. On that basis, a draw could be seen as acceptable.
However, given the circumstances — Villa’s red card, Newcastle’s dominance, and the number of opportunities created — there is little doubt the overriding feeling in the Magpies’ camp will be frustration. This was a missed chance to start the season with a statement victory.
—
👉 In short, Newcastle proved they can compete and even dominate away to a strong side like Villa. But unless they sharpen up in front of goal, especially without Isak leading the line, these frustrating afternoons may continue.