Eddie Howe handed a competitive debut to £55million summer signing Anthony Elanga, while new arrivals Malick Thiaw, Park Seung-soo and Aaron Ramsdale were named among the substitutes.
As expected, Anthony Gordon was deployed as the central striker in the absence of Alexander Isak, who is refusing to play in an attempt to force a move to Liverpool.
Both Elanga and Gordon squandered golden chances to put Newcastle 1-0 inside the opening 10 minutes, with Elanga missing a one-on-one opportunity before an unmarked Gordon headed over Harvey Barnes’ in-swinging cross.
Aston Villa were in control of the second half until they were reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute when Ezri Konsa was shown a red card for pulling down Gordon, who was through on goal.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at Villa Park - and here are his Newcastle United player ratings.
Well positioned off his line to meet the long ball over the top. Denied Boubacar Kamara and Ollie Watkins in the second-half.
1. Nick Pope - 7
Well positioned off his line to meet the long ball over the top. Denied Boubacar Kamara and Ollie Watkins in the second-half. | AFP via Getty Images
Defended well up against the dangerous Morgan Rogers. Oversaw most of the set pieces but rarely led to any joy.
2. Kieran Trippier - 7
Defended well up against the dangerous Morgan Rogers. Oversaw most of the set pieces but rarely led to any joy. | AFP via Getty Images
Switched the play well to get Newcastle on some promising attacks down the left.
3. Fabian Schar - 7
Switched the play well to get Newcastle on some promising attacks down the left. | Getty Images
Put in some big challenges when Villa found space. Dominant in the air. Colossal.
4. Dan Burn - 9
Put in some big challenges when Villa found space. Dominant in the air. Colossal. | Getty Images