In what some billed as the biggest game of the season so far, Newcastle United traveled to Villa Park to square up against fellow heavyweights Aston Villa.
The first ten minutes were fairly open, with both teams happy to look for an early goal, but Newcastle soon took control.
Then came the first blow. DeAndre Yedlin whipped a cross in for Elphick to put past his own keeper. Many chances followed, Gayle had a sitter of a one on one having stolen possession, but struck his effort straight at the keeper.
Diane was next, a simple tap in from six yards…It found the hoardings a good few yards wide.
Throughout the second half, Villa built more pressure and Newcastle sat deeper. Jedinak saw a goal rightly given offside, whilst Villa were unlucky not to be given a penalty following Cheick Tiote’s first bodycheck of the season. Tshibola was booked for simulation.
Finally Villa broke the Magpies defence. Sels flapped at another cross, leaving Tshibola to nod home.
Villa piled on the pressure but just couldn’t get a second. But in reality, Newcastle should have had the game wrapped up in the first 45 minutes.
Here are our player ratings following what has to be seen as a disappointing draw.
