Magpies brought back down to earth on a wet and windy night in Brum
DEFENSIVE MISTAKES COSTLY FOR UNITED
at Villa Park
NEWCASTLE United were handed a reality check on a wet and miserable night at Villa Park.
On a frustrating night against the newly-promoted second city side, frustration in the away section set in and there were renewed calls for Mike Ashley to sell up from the Geordie faithful.
Make no doubt about it, they’ve seen much worse from United on his watch but despite two wins in a row before the international break from Steve Bruce’s side, gallows humour on the terraces returned.
Indeed, when Villa fans revelling in a gift-wrapped win - chanted: “You’re ******* s**t”, the United fans felt inclined to agree with them.
On a night when Newcastle were undone by their own mistakes after two defensive gaffes at the end of the first half it was probably a little harsh.
But a combination of failing to take chances in the offensive areas and awful mistakes in defence capped a dreadful night - and it’s Manchester City at home next.
As the teams left the field both Jonjo Shelvey and Dwight Gayle bickered before applauding the fans.
But if Gayle was talking about the lack of decent service he was exactly right.
The former Crystal Palace man was afforded just TWO touches in 19 minutes while Andy Carroll managed just 12 and one shot on target in 28 minutes.
United tested Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton early in the game when Allan Saint-Maximin tried his luck from distance with a powerful low shot, but it was gathered by the experienced stopper.
On three minutes, Miguel Almiron tried his luck from long range but his effort was high and wide at the Holte End.
Villa enjoyed 67% of the possession in the first 12 minutes and they nearly made that count when Matt Targett’s low cross zipped across the face of goal but the home side’s front men failed to connect.
Newcastle countered well enough in the first quarter of the match but after Joelinton had cleared from a corner, Saint Maximin’s breaking run and pass to Almiron was met with a bad touch and poor attempt at goal.
With 24 minutes on the clock, Joelinton bulldozed his way forward but he lacked composure in the box and his effort was snuffed out. SaintMaximin