Here's how the players rated:
NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1):
7 Ramsdale: Let down by defending and officiating for the goal. Didn’t have much else to do.
8 Trippier: Built on his excellent Tottenham display with another superb showing. Experience and leadership on show. Played pass that led to sending off.
6 Thiaw: Switched off for the goal, but shouldn’t have mattered. Sloppy passes in first half but got better as the game went on.
7 Burn: Really solid defensively throughout. Put himself about in the
8 Hall: Linked up well with Barnes in the first half. Really solid defensively and got forward at every opportunity. Rarely has a bad game.
9 Tonali: Immense matchwinning display from the Italian, who dominated the second half and scored the two crucial goals to swing the game.
7 Ramsey: Another good showing from the midfielder, who now looks at home in a Newcastle shirt.
6 Murphy: Was on the receiving end of the tackle that got Bizot sent off and the challenge that should have seen Digne sent off. Worked hard on right but didn’t create anything of note.
8 Woltemade: Big call from Howe to play Woltemade in deeper role but it paid off handsomely. Close control was brilliant and he deserved his goal.
7 Barnes: Was Newcastle’s likeliest route to goal in the first half. Always a threat in the second half and played a big part in third goal.
5 Osula: Worked hard but failed to make an impact in his first start since September. In fairness, rustiness is to be expected after lengthy spell out.
Substitutes:
7 Gordon (for Osula, 64): His fresh legs and movement troubled Villa from the bench.
7 Elanga (for Murphy, 64): Another bright and encouraging cameo from the winger.
Willock (for Ramsey, 80): N/A
A.Murphy (for Trippier, 90): N/A
Subs not used: Pope, Ruddy, Shahar, Seung-soo Park, Neave
Aston Villa: Bizot 4; Bogarde 6, Lindelof 6, Torres 6, Digne 4; Onana 6, Luiz 6 (Sancho, 78); Bailey 6 (Martinez 45+3, 6), Barkley 6 (Buendia, 65), Rogers 6 (Maatsen, 77); Abraham 7 (Watkins, 65)
Subs not used: Konsa, Mings, Garcia, Kone
Man of the Match: Tonali: By far the best player on the pitch. Going to be huge for Newcastle in Bruno’s absence.