ATS JUST THE JOB FOR HAPPY RAFA
PRESTON:
Pearson’s early strike and Hugill’s tap-in saw Preston leap-frog Villa, who missed a late penalty through Ross McCormack.
It was the first League meeting between these Football League founder members since 1974.
And Preston snatched the lead in front of a huge contingent of travelling fans at Deepdale after just four minutes.
The ball broke to Pearson inside the area and the midfielder calmly slotted past keeper Mark Bunn.
North End, who have now racked up three successive home wins, missed a great chance to double their lead four minutes later when Alex Baptiste headed Aiden McGeady’s corner wide from six yards.
Simon Grayson’s side were well on top and Bunn was twice forced to deny Hugill from close range in the 15th minute, before Calum Robinson’s effort was deflected behind.
Villa were looking for their first away league win in 14 months and had their first chance in the 24th minute but Jonathan Kodjia – the most expensive signing in Championship history – headed wide from 12 yards.
And a dominant Preston doubled their advantage in the 39th minute.
Pearson robbed Ashley Westwood and played in Daniel Johnson and when the ball broke off Bunn it fell to Hugill, who tapped in from three yards.
Preston boss Grayson said: “Money brings you good players which is what Villa have but we pressed hard and made it very uncomfortable for them.
“It was just a really professional CHRISTIAN ATSU’S strike was enough to give Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle all three points at the New York Stadium.
The Ghanaian struck the first-half winner to keep Newcastle in the top two and leave Rotherham rooted to the bottom of the Championship table.
Benitez said: “It was a great, great goal. I enjoy winning, it doesn’t matter how.
“To get three points is what you have to do. We can try to play nice football but sometimes it is not enough. The game plan was to work hard and after that use our quality.”
Yoan Gouffran had two early efforts with one blocked and the other hit straight at Millers keeper Lee Camp in a frantic start.
Dominic Ball then somehow chested Gouffran’s volley off the line as the visitors piled on the pressure. Joe Newell had the first ASTON VILLA: performance from start to finish. We were worthy winners.”
Rudy Gestede was introduced at half-time for Villa, who have now won just one of their last 24 league games stretching back to last season.
And he should have pulled a goal back in the 48th minute but headed over when unmarked from Jordan Ayew’s corner. Gestede then missed another great chance to get his side back in it seven minutes later, glancing his effort across the face of goal.
Villa’s miserable day was complete when McCormack saw his spot-kick saved by Chris Maxwell with virtually the last kick of the game.
Di Matteo said: “We will keep working. I have faith in the team and I think that come the end of the season they will be up there.
“It’s been a bad day at the office but we are 10 points from sixth place so it’s still all possible.”
“The first half was very disappointing and we gifted the two goals but the second half we came out stronger.” effort for the home side with Toon keeper Karl Darlow tipping his shot over, while Jon Taylor came even closer when his effort clipped the bar from 25 yards.
But Newcastle were ahead at half-time as Atsu blasted in a great individual effort in the 41st-minute.
The winger cut in from the right and curled an unstoppable effort into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Dwight Gayle could not get enough of a touch on Jonjo Shelvey’s free-kick at the start of the second half and Atsu burst on to Mohamed Diame’s pass but his shot was pushed away by Camp.
Atsu continued to look threatening and his cut-back found Diame whose shot went wide.
Shelvey’s low shot forced a save from Camp and centre-back Ciaran Clark headed narrowly wide.
The Millers’ best chance fell to Ball but his effort came back off the woodwork
Rotherham boss Alan Stubbs said: “We have taken the game to Newcastle and if we keep performing like this it won’t be long until we start picking up points.”