Former Cat the Villan as he cancels out super sub’s goal
GAYLE FIRES HOME AFTER A MINUTE ON FIELD BUT TOON HAD TO SETTLE FOR A POINT
NEWCASTLE United had to settle for a point against relegationhaunted Aston Villa – but really should be celebrating Premier League survival already.
A goal from Dwight Gayle midway through the second half put the Magpies on course for their second win of the restart, but Villa refused to give in on Tyneside.
The point leaves United 12 points clear of the dropzone after Bournemouth’s
loss at Wolves, but they now face a trip to the South Coast for a crunch clash on July 1.
Of course, United should be safe and are just one point from the “Magic 40” but they made it difficult for themselves at home to a Villa side looking over their shoulders.
United named an unchanged side to the one that beat Sheffield United 3-0 on Sunday and kicked off amid heat of 26 degrees at St James’ Park.
But it was Villa who adjusted to the sweltering conditions in better fashion and created a host of chances in the opening exchanges.
The first one dropped to the visitors on just seven minutes when Ezri Konsa but Egypt star Trezequet hit the ball into the ground and over.
A second chance arrived seven minutes later when Anwar El Ghazi delivered the ball in for Mbwana Samatta but he missed the target.
On 29 minutes John McGinn was presented with another opportunity he could only head over the bar.
It took United until the 38-minute mark to even get a glimpse of goal but when Joelinton had the goal within range he lost out to a challenge from Tyrone Mings.
Matt Ritchie finally had Newcastle’s first shot on target of the night, but when he unleashed from outside the box Orjan Nyland pushed the ball away to safety.
A flurry of corners from United ended the half with Newcastle starting to get on top but a clash in the penalty area between Jamaal Lascelles and Douglas Luiz only resulted in a yellow card for the Villa man despite a VAR check from ref Chris Kavanagh.
The two sides went in level at the break with Newcastle not at their best.
United started the second half with Ritchie making a break down
the right before