HOLD ON A MO ..IT’S STILL ON

Elmohamady hands Villa relegation lifeline

6

AHMED ELMOHAMADY kept Villa’s hopes of a relegation escape alive – but they must break their long winless streak quickly. Elmohamady has been signed three times by Steve Bruce – but ruined his former manager’s evening with a late equaliser moments after coming off the bench.

The Egyptian has been a good servant for Bruce, although the Geordie did not enjoy his 83rd-minute intervention, a messy headed goal, to deny the Toon a third win in a row. It keeps Villa in touch with their relegation rivals and could prove a vital point, but they needed all three after an eight-game winless run.

Dean Smith’s under-powered side have failed to notch a victory since January 21 when they beat Watford and have to go for broke to beat the drop.

And it could have been worse. Dwight Gayle (left) scored seconds after coming on as substitute. The strike was his first Newcastle goal for more than two years, when he netted against Chelsea in May 2018.

He spent last season on loan at West Brom and has had a frustrating season back at St James’ Park.

It was a fine finish with just Orjan Nyland to beat. But he was given a scandalous amount of space after another sub Andy Carroll was allowed to gather Javier Manquillo’s throw.

Gayle sprinted into the box without a defender within five yards of him and smashed home Carroll’s through ball. Ezri Konsa could not get close enough for a tackle.

It was a woeful passage of defending that broke the deadlock in a tight game.

Villa’s lack of confidence, especially up front with a timid attack, is a huge weakness. But they were rewarded for some late pressure when Elmohamady (above) squeezed in a header.

Sub Conor Hourihane pinged in a dangerous corner to the near post that his fellow replacement flicked goalwards from a tight angle.

It should have been a simple stop for Martin Dubravka, but Jonjo Shelvey took a swing at the ball on the line and the mix-up saw it trickle home.

6;