Marco Bizot of Aston Villa fouls Jacob Murphy of Newcastle United and is later shown a red card by referee Chris Kavanagh (not pictured) during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park on February 14, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)placeholder image
Marco Bizot of Aston Villa fouls Jacob Murphy of Newcastle United and is later shown a red card by referee Chris Kavanagh (not pictured) during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park on February 14, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Aston Villa 1-0 Newcastle United player ratings: Here’s how William Osula, Sandro Tonali, Kieran Trippier and co have fared at Villa Park.
Eddie Howe made six changes from the side that won 2-1 at Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday with Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock, Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon dropping out with Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Hall, Sandro Tonali, Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade and William Osula coming into the side.
Botman was rested for the match while Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Joelinton, Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth all miss out due to injury. Yoane Wissa dropped out of the squad due to a knock.
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After an even start to the game, Villa took the lead through via a set-piece routine that was turned in by Tammy Abraham. With no VAR in place to overturn the decision and the linesman’s flag staying down, the goal stood.
The lack of VAR then worked in Newcastle’s favour as goalkeeper Marco Bizot was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Jacob Murphy. VAR may not have intervened had it been in place but Newcastle at least knew the on-field decision in their favour would stand.
But the red card came on the stroke of half-time as Villa led 1-0 at the break.
Aaron Ramsdale - 5
Couldn’t do much about the goal. Didn’t have much else to do other than a couple of comfortable claims.
Kieran Trippier - 6
Showed good energy and got off the pitch well but couldn’t create any chances for his teammates.
Malick Thiaw - 5
Conceded a free-kick, then let Tammy Abraham go for the goal that resulted from it. Although VAR may have saved him in the Premier League, it did this time. Booked during a shaky first half display.
Dan Burn - 6
Won the ball back with some aggressive pressing. Tried to cover quickly and deny Abraham scoring but wasn’t able to.
Lewis Hall - 6
A welcome return at left-back. Had a penalty shout turned down after some good footwork to get into the box.
Sandro Tonali - 6
Got around the pitch well but lacking a creative spark.
Jacob Ramsey - 6
Got the ball in some decent areas but hesitated to pull the trigger.
Jacob Murphy - 6
Did okay down the right but his best contribution was his touch away from Marco Bizot that saw the Villa goalkeeper sent off.
Harvey Barnes - 5
Got into some good areas down the left and been on the receiving end of some tough challenges. A moderate threat but little is coming off for him.
Nick Woltemade - 6
Held the ball up well under pressure but not threatening the goal.
Struggled to get involved on his return to the starting line-up.
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