**6 Pope:** Villa only had two efforts on goal and both were straight down Pope’s throat. Sliced one first half clearance.
**7 Trippier:** Used his experience to contain Morgan Rogers. Solid throughout.
**7 Schar:** Alongside the excellent burn, Schar was calm, composed and in control throughout.
**8 Burn:** Outstanding defensive display from Burn, who didn’t give Ollie Watkins a sniff. Made a number of crucial interceptions.
**7 Livramento:** Involved in a tasty battle with McGinn, which he won. Now as impressive and comfortable at left-back as he is on the right.
**8 Tonali:** The game’s best player. Kept Villa’s dangerous players quiet and a driving force from midfield.
**6 Bruno:** Didn’t quite happen for the Brazilian, who was strangely sloppy in possession at times.
**7 Joelinton:** Usual powerful force. Helped Newcastle take control of the game early on. Quieter in second half and replaced late on.
**6 Elanga:** Missed early sitter and touch too often clumsy, but scared Villa with his pace and played through-ball that led to red card.
**6 Barnes:** Grew into the game and looked increasingly threatening but final ball and delivery let him down.
**7 Gordon**: Didn't happen for him in front of goal but full of running and effort and did all he can to make it work in role he's never looked particularly comfortable in. Missed glorious headed chance early on.
Substitutes:
Murphy (for Elanga, 78): N/A
Miley (for Joelinton, 84): N/A
Osula (for Barnes, 90): N/A
Subs not used: Ramsdale, Hall, Botman, Thiaw, Krafth, Seung-soo
**Aston Villa:** Bizot 7; Cash 6, Konsa 4, Mings 7, Digne 6; Onana 6, Kamara 6; McGinn 6 (Malen, 84), Tielemans 6, Rogers 5; Watkins 5
Subs not used: Wright, Torres, Maatsen, Bogarde, Buendia, Jimoh, Guessand, Iling-Junior
**Man of the Match:** Tonali. Dominated the midfield and the game. Undoubtedly one of the Premier League's very best midfielders.