Tammy Abraham had put us ahead after 14 minutes and as we benefitted from some big decisions in the first half going our way in the absence of VAR, it looked as though we were set to head into the interval with an advantage.
However, Marco Bizot’s sending off just before the break was a major turning point in the encounter, with Sandro Tonali inspiring the visitors to turn things around in the second half as they advance to the next round.
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There were plenty of talking points in this game, but what also contributed to our disappointing defeat was a number of players falling short of the standard required.
### Aston Villa player ratings vs Newcastle:
**Marco Bizot, 3 –** His rash decision to race out of his area and commit a foul ultimately changed the game and proved to be our downfall. Will be hugely disappointed that his error in judgment cost us.
**Lamare Bogarde, 4.5 –** Shows great defensive instincts at times and is putting everything into playing in a not-so-natural role for him, but made two major errors in the build up to the second and third goals and he does have a tendency to make questionable decisions in critical areas.
**Victor Lindelof, 6.5 –** Solid display and composed in possession as although we didn’t defend our lead well enough in the second half, he was dependable throughout on and off the ball.
**Pau Torres, 6.5 –** Similarly to Lindelof, we defended our box well for the most part and limited Newcastle’s threat when in that part of the pitch. Put under pressure by poor passes when in possession, and so couldn’t be as influential as he can be.
**Lucas Digne, 4 –** Really poor. Committed a dangerous foul which could have led to a red card in the first half, got away with a handball in the box and was massively disappointing in both phases all game whilst wearing the captain’s armband.
**Amadou Onana, 7 –** Important physical presence in midfield. Made some timely interventions in and around our box to help protect the backline and won aerial duels. Limited in driving us forward, but he put in a key shift.
**Douglas Luiz, 5 –** Looks miles off it. Picked up an early booking after dallying on the ball, and while he zipped in some passes through the lines at times to show he can do what is required as well as providing the assist for our goal, took far too long distributing and wasn’t brave enough in closing down Tonali for either of his goals. We need him to be much better.
**Leon Bailey, 5 –** Love his intent and desire to make something happen as we can see he wants to beat his man or play a killer pass, but he’s not showing enough quality to make the difference. We need more from him in the coming weeks in the final third.
**Ross Barkley, 5.5 –** Showed good touch at times to help link our play together, but it was clear that he’s still rusty and working his way back to full fitness and sharpness. Hopefully this was an important shift to help him get there.
**Morgan Rogers, 6 –** Brilliant skill and turn of pace to free himself from pressure and break into the opposition half with pace and intent, but couldn’t find the decisive end product to make it count.
**Tammy Abraham, 7 –** Excellent. Great work ethic throughout to close down and put pressure on Newcastle players, while his movement and touch allowed him to be a vital focal point to help link our play together. Made a strong case to start again next weekend against Leeds.
### Substitutes:
**Emiliano Martinez, 5 –** Flapped at the cross that led to the Newcastle equaliser, but we should have done much better to prevent the goal after that. Couldn’t do much for the next two goals but not a great half after coming on.
**Emiliano Buendia, 5 –** Didn’t provide enough quality in attacking areas to help us maintain a threat on the counter attack in the second half.
**Ollie Watkins, 5.5 –** Good energy and movement to freshen things up while leading the line, but similarly to Buendia, didn’t provide the desired impact in terms of making us a threat in the latter stages.
**Ian Maatsen, N/A**
**Jadon Sancho, N/A**