Aston Villa recorded their first away head to head victory over Newcastle United since 2005, as goals either side of half time secured a 2-0 Premier League success at St James Park.
Both teams entered the match following European victories in midweek, and the contest began at a high tempo. Newcastle threatened early when Sandro Tonali forced Emiliano Martinez into a save with his legs, while Nick Pope responded at the other end to deny Ollie Watkins with a low stop.
Villa took the lead in the nineteenth minute through Emiliano Buendia. The midfielder collected possession around 25 yards from goal before curling a precise finish into the top left corner, registering his fifth Premier League goal of the season.
Newcastle attempted to respond and showed greater urgency as the first half progressed, but Villa continued to pose the greater attacking threat. Buendia tested Pope again, while Martinez produced an excellent reaction save to keep out Lewis Miley’s close range header before the interval.
The hosts maintained pressure after the restart, although clear opportunities remained limited. Attempts from Harvey Barnes and Jacob Ramsey failed to trouble Martinez as Villa defended with composure. Watkins then went close to extending the lead, with Pope pushing his long range effort over the crossbar.
Villa secured the points in the eighty seventh minute when Watkins rose to meet a Lucas Digne cross and headed home, ending any hope of a Newcastle recovery. The visitors saw out the closing stages comfortably to claim a significant away victory.
The result moves Aston Villa within four points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, while Newcastle were left unable to capitalise on home advantage despite a sustained spell of pressure.
