Newcastle United got their Premier League season underway with a visit to Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Premier League is back, and the Magpies have their first point of the season. It was always going to be a tough task getting a result against Aston Villa away from home, but at times it felt like they were playing at home with the way the ball was moving around the pitch.
After playing in the majority of pre-season, Eddie Howe handed Anthony Elanga his first competitive start for Newcastle United.
The Magpies looked great in the first half, with all the chances going their way, but they were unable to find the back of the net. Villa came back to life in the second half until a red card was shown to Ezri Konza for a late pull on Anthony Gordon. However, it may feel like two points dropped after the decision.
Pre-season was rough for Newcastle, having failed to pick up a single win, and it was clear that the players wanted to give the fans something to cheer about.
With the first game of the season concluded, here are the player ratings against Villa.
Dan Burn challenges Matty Cash during a Premier League game between Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
Nick Pope – 6
Favoured to new signing Aaron Ramsdale for the opener, Nick Pope went mostly untroubled for the first half, but was called into action just 90 seconds into the second with a smooth catch from a close-range header.
He was kept on his toes throughout the second period, but there was nothing which really troubled him.
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Kieran Trippier – 7
A surprise inclusion, but Kieran Trippier filled in for fellow right-back Tino Livramento, who started at left-back. The former club captain was as vocal as ever and was frequently seen berating Fabian Schar throughout.
The 34-year-old, who is linked with a move to AS Monaco, will likely be moved back to the bench once Lewis Hall returns and Livramento goes back to right-back.
Fabian Schar – 7
With his place in the starting XI under speculation, Fabian Schar had to deliver with Malick Thiaw watching on. The Switzerland international was caught out at times, but was fortunate to have Pope able to sweep up and clear before a Villa man was able to pick up the ball.
Managed his customary effort from distance before the half-hour mark.
Dan Burn – 7.5
His 150th appearance since joining the Magpies in January 2022, you can tell how much Dan Burn loves to play for his boyhood club.
The 33-year-old was fearless, flying into challenges and charging up the pitch to provide attacking support. With Sven Botman watching on, Burn may well have done enough to keep his place in the starting line-up for another game.
Tino Livramento – 7
Filling in at left-back with Hall still not fully fit, the England Under-21s hero picked up where he left off and put in another valiant performance for the Magpies.
Livramento kept John McGinn quiet for the most part, albeit with the odd slip-up, which was quickly sorted by his teammates.
Joelinton – 6.5
Another strong performance from Joelinton, who continues to be a brute force in the Magpies’ midfield. Clear frustration with his yellow card before half-time, but it did not stop him from getting stuck in.
Drew a number of fouls throughout, something he is not particularly known for.
Sandro Tonali – 8
A first full season in black and white for Sandro Tonali after returning from his suspension in August last year. The Italian was Newcastle’s best player in the first half, covering every blade of grass and willing his team forward.
Tonali kept up the momentum for the second 45, deservedly winning our highest rating.
Bruno Guimaraes – 6.5
Donning the captain’s armband for a second season, Bruno Guimaraes was part of a trio which clearly won the midfield battle against Villa.
The Brazilian was involved the least out of the three midfielders, but he was still able to pull off some impressive passes and challenges.
Anthony Elanga – 6.5
A competitive debut for Anthony Elanga, who came agonisingly close to opening his account just two minutes into the game.
His first touch left a lot to be desired, but his pace was a constant issue for Villa’s backline. Put in a great ball to Gordon, which caused the red card.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Gordon had big shoes to fill with Alexander Isak absent. The 24-year-old came close to opening the scoring when he met Barnes’ cross only to miss a big chance. Managed to force Craig Pawson to distribute a red card to Konza, who pulled him down while through on goal.
The winger, playing as a striker, had two good opportunities to score, but many will be left wondering what those chances would have come to if Isak were playing.
Harvey Barnes – 6
Harvey Barnes made a couple of promising runs down the left wing but ultimately struggled to get ahead of Matty Cash, who had his number for the majority of the game.
His place in the starting XI could be in jeopardy if Isak returns to the squad.
Substitutes
Jacob Murphy – 6
In his 400th career club appearance, Jacob Murphy needed to impress to have any chance of regaining his place in the starting XI.
The 30-year-old was unable to find any real opportunities on goal or the time to swing a ball into Gordon.
Lewis Miley – 6
A brief runout for the 19-year-old, who kept things calm.
William Osula – N/A
Came on with just a few minutes to go.