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The Newcastle player who has been 'totally transformed' - and one who is bang in form

Joelinton celebrates after scoring Newcastle's third goal (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA)

Joelinton celebrates after scoring Newcastle's third goal (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA)

How did the players fare in Newcastle's 3-0 win over Aston Villa?

NEWCASTLE (4-3-3):

7 Dubravka: Didn’t have a lot to do, but made an important save from McGinn’s free-kick prior to Duran’s departure

6 Trippier: Had a couple of difficult early moments against Rogers, but had put in a decent shift by the time he hobbled off late on

7 Schar: Was involved in the game’s key incident as he slid in on Duran – made some important challenges throughout

7 Burn: Never looked troubled against a dangerous Villa attack – is in a good run of form at the moment

6 Hall: One of the full-back’s quieter games in terms of attacking runs, but defended well against McGinn

8 Guimaraes: Was a key factor in Newcastle bossing the heart of midfield and thought he had scored with a late effort that was ruled out

8 TONALI: Continues to sparkle in his new midfield role – broke up Villa attacks and made some excellent forward runs

8 Joelinton: Another barnstorming display from the Brazilian, who thoroughly deserved his late goal

8 Murphy: Another fine display from the in-form winger, who set up Isak’s goal and hit the bar in the second half

8 Isak: Brimming with confidence at the moment and made it seven goals in six games with a simple finish

7 Gordon: Scored with an excellent curled finish and seems to have relocated his crossing radar in recent weeks

Subs:

Targett (for Trippier, 78)

Willock (for Murphy, 78)

Barnes (for Gordon, 78)

Miley (for Guimaraes, 90)

Osula (for Isak, 90)

(not used): Vlachodimos (gk), Kelly, Longstaff, Almiron.

ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1):

MARTINEZ 6; Cash 4 (Nedeljkovic 68, 4), Konsa 4, Torres 5, Digne 5; Kamara 4 (Barkley 68, 5), Onana 4; McGinn 6, Tielemans 5 (Watkins 46, 4), Rogers 4 (Bailey 68, 4); Duran 3.

Subs (not used): Olsen (gk), Carlos, Mings, Buendia, Philogene.

Man Of The Match: SANDRO TONALI – Has been totally transformed since he switched position last month.

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