10-man Villa hold on against Newcastle side without Isak
At a glance
Newcastle struggle to convert chances without Alexander Isak
Ezri Konsa shown straight red for hauling down Anthony Gordon
Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot denies Gordon and Anthony Elanga on debut
Newcastle failed to score without wantaway striker Alexander Isak as they were held by 10-man Aston Villa.
Villa played the final 24 minutes plus stoppage time with 10 men after Ezri Konsa was dismissed but with Isak missing - as he tries to force a move to Liverpool - the Magpies were unable to find a winner.
Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon wasted their best chances during a dominant first half.
Debutant Marco Bizot made a fine save to deny new £55m winger Elanga inside three minutes before Gordon planted a free header over.
The forward, playing centrally in place of Isak, also tested Bizot as the Magpies failed to make their superiority count.
Passive Villa failed to have a shot in the first half - the first home team to suffer that fate in a Premier League game since Fulham, against Manchester City in May 2024 - but they emerged after the break with renewed vigour.
Boubacar Kamara headed at Nick Pope while Ollie Watkins also shot straight at the goalkeeper but Konsa's red card - for pulling back Gordon as he ran clear - left the hosts to focus on clinging on to a point.
Ezri Konsa was sent off for tugging back Anthony Gordon in the second half
Newcastle analysis: Magpies show togetherness despite Isak saga
Newcastle 'still a force' without Isak - Howe
Opening-day fixtures do not come much tougher.
A trip to a fortress like Villa Park was challenging enough for Newcastle. That task became even more difficult without a recognised striker.
There is no doubt that Isak's determination to join Liverpool has overshadowed Newcastle's preparations for the new season.
But, rather than use that as an excuse, Eddie Howe said his players knew that they "had to step up and give more".
Their effort and commitment certainly could not be questioned against Aston Villa.
For all the pre-match talk about a player who wants to leave Newcastle, it was quickly apparent that this group are together.
There were double high fives and a team huddle before the game, and a clear message was sent: Newcastle were united without their talisman.
Newcastle played like a team and the visitors locked Aston Villa out and dominated possession in the first half.
But it was rather telling that a grimacing Howe had his hands on his head at various points.
Having seen Elanga and Gordon spurn decent openings, the head coach knew his side had to be more ruthless after the break.
The pair went on to link up midway through the second half after Elanga sent Gordon racing clear and a panicked Konsa pulled the forward back.
But Newcastle could not make that man advantage count after Konsa was sent off.
The club's need for a goalscorer is clear - regardless of what happens with Isak in the final couple of weeks of the window.
Aston Villa analysis: Performance shows need for reinforcements
'I can't say anything to Konsa over red card' - Emery
Boss Unai Emery has addressed Villa's financial situation already this week.
Speaking to BBC Sport he said other teams had bigger "capacity" than Villa and they needed to be intelligent to outwit them this season.
In his programme column he called for a review of the Premier League's profit and sustainability which rules Villa - and Newcastle - feel are unfair.
But against the Magpies, with just one new face - 34-year-old goalkeeper Bizot - Villa struggled and an all-to-familiar team looks in need of reinforcements.
They also finished last season with Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Jacob Ramsey - who is poised to join Newcastle for £40m - so Emery's side are comfortably weaker.
New striker Evann Guessand failed to come off the bench and will need time to give Watkins the support he desperately needs.
For now, though, Emery must squeeze out every drop from a squad which went to their limits last season, and he will also be without Konsa for the next game after the defender's red card.
What's next for these teams?
Aston Villa: Villa head to Brentford and host Crystal Palace before the end of the month and transfer window.
Newcastle: The Magpies welcome champions Liverpool next week, before travelling to Leeds
Where next?
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