John Townley's Aston Villa player ratings after the goalless draw with Newcastle at Villa Park
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United goes down after being fouled by Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United goes down after being fouled by Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa
(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Aston Villa began their new Premier League season with a 0-0 draw against Newcastle United, despite playing the final 30 minutes with 10 men.
Ezri Konsa was sent off in the 66th minute after dragging back Anthony Gordon, who was heading towards goal.
The stalemate extends Villa’s unbeaten run at home in all competitions to 22 games - their longest streak at Villa Park since a 24-game run between September 1976 and May 1977.
The first big chance of the game fell to Newcastle inside three minutes, when Gordon raced through on goal, but Marco Bizot denied him in a one-on-one.
Bizot, making his debut, was called into action again soon after, stopping Gordon’s strike from the edge of the box.
Villa were sloppy in possession during the first half and struggled to retain the ball for sustained periods.
The hosts’ first real opportunity came at the start of the second half, when John McGinn’s cross found Boubacar Kamara, but his header went straight at Nick Pope.
Just after the hour mark, Ollie Watkins tried his luck, but Pope was untroubled as he comfortably gathered the striker’s effort.
Minutes later, Villa were reduced to 10 men as Konsa received a red card for denying Gordon what referee Craig Pawson deemed to be a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Player ratings
Marco Bizot Made the perfect start to his debut, denying Elanga in a one-on-one in front of the Holte End before tipping Gordon’s effort from outside the box around the post with a smart save. Can't complain with Bizot keeping clean sheet in his first game for the club. 8*
Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa is put under pressure by Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United
Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa is put under pressure by Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United
Matty Cash Competed against Harvey Barnes and Joelinton down the flank, and combined neatly with McGinn on the right, often using the skipper as an outlet under pressure. Blocked Gordon’s powerful strike in the 71st minute - which left him winded - before making another crucial block on Barnes’ volley. 6
Ezri Konsa Sent off in the 66th minute after pulling back Gordon as he raced towards goal, leaving Villa with 10 men. 5
Tyrone Mings Preferred to Pau Torres and dealt with a different challenge compared to last season’s meeting with Newcastle. After Elanga breached Villa’s defensive line early on, Mings was constantly barking order to prevent it happening again, but it did when Gordon raced clear in the second half. 6
Lucas Digne Tasked with containing Newcastle’s new signing Elanga, who caused problems down the flank. With Villa struggling to keep the ball, Digne was unable to push forward and hold advanced positions as much as he’d have liked. 6
Boubacar Kamara Put in tackles as expected but, like several teammates in the first half, his passing was inconsistent and often surrendered possession too cheaply. Excellent in the final 30 minutes when he filled in at centre-back. 7
Amadou Onana Covered ground impressively and performed well out of possession, though he was sloppy on the ball at times. Improved after the break, showing composure against the press and in tight spaces. 7
John McGinn All-action from the first whistle, twice battling with Livramento early on. Gave Villa a useful outlet down the right whenever they were pressed at the back. 6
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and Youri Tielemans combine to tackle Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali (left)
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and Youri Tielemans combine to tackle Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali (left)
Youri Tielemans Played closer to Watkins while Onana and Kamara sat deeper in a double pivot. Villa would have benefited more from his ability to receive the ball in tight spaces and progress play if he dropped deeper himself. 6
Morgan Rogers Took time to settle into the game, but produced a moment of quality in the 32nd minute with a superb outside-of-the-boot pass to release Watkins. Found the striker in the box around the hour mark. 6
Ollie Watkins Largely isolated in the first half and had little service until the half-hour mark, when he drove to the byline but had no options in support. Fired a left-footed effort at goal in the 64th minute, but Pope saved comfortably. 6
SUBS
Donyell Malen (for McGinn, 83'): N/A
Subs not used: Wright, Torres, Maatsen, Bogarde, Buendia, Jimoh, Guessand, Iling-Junior.
GOALS
Aston Villa: N/A
Newcastle: N/A
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