Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle - follow live radio commentary on this page
Watkins, Maatsen, Burn own goal and Onana give hosts control
FT: Man City beat Everton through O'Reilly and Kovacic goals
FT: Mbeumo double and Wissa goal help Brentford beat 10-man Brighton
FT: Richards dismissed for Palace in draw with Bournemouth
FT: Bowen opens scoring for West Ham but Saints level late
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I told you the Aston Villa v Newcastle game would salvage a pretty boring Premier League Saturday!
We'll be back tomorrow from 12:30 BST with four more matches coming your way.
Have a nice night and we'll see you then!
Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle
The Premier League's top six.
Who will end up in that all-important top five?
Image source, Getty ImagesAre we going to see the Champions of England crowned tomorrow?
Well, for that to happen, Arsenal have to lose at Ipswich and then Liverpool have to pick up three points against Leicester.
It could be a huge day in the Premier League and we'll be with you the whole way.
There we have it, another Premier League Saturday done and dusted.
Here's what happened today as Man City and Villa secured three vital points in the race for the Champions League.
FT: Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "The players responded fantastically [to Champions League disappointment]. Villa Park is special. It is our fortress. The supporters are excited and they are motivating us, pushing us and helping us.
"The objective we are trying to get to. Today Newcastle is the level, like PSG and Man City on Tuesday, this level is the highest we can face and how we are responding is key. The players were following the game plan for 90 minutes, the starting eleven and the substitutes.
"We are happy and we want to keep going. Keep balanced because there is still a lot to do. We have to be focussed each match.
"The supporters are always here with us in every competition. The Champions League was fantastic, the way we played. Now we want to play in Europe again and we have to get it through the Premier League. We have to get points like we did today against Newcastle. They are still contenders and favourites more than us because they have two more points.
"In the second half of the season we are trying to recover some of the points we lost, having some of the players back, we added players in January and we are getting stronger as a team.
"Belief and showing our capacity - we did it today. Tuesday is another test and another challenge for the team and the club. Man City is another huge test and then the FA Cup semi-final as well on Saturday."
FT: Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle
Newcastle assistant manager Jason Tindall, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Three games in six days probably caught up with us, certainly around the hour mark. This last week with the result against Manchester United and then Crystal Palace, it caught up with us.
"It becomes difficult to change the team and if you do make the changes and the result stays the same then people are asking why you changed.
"Felt we were right in it at half-time. They're a top side, their record here suggests that. We started the game OK but we made a few tactical errors around the hour mark.
"With five games to go and to be third in the Premier League, I think everyone would have taken that. We've got five cup finals to go.
"It's been tough for everyone. The schedule has been tough and then we've received the news of the manager not being able to lead the team, it's a blow. It's important he rests and recovers. We can't lose sight. It's down to us to prepare right and deliver the performances."
FT: Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, speaking to Sky Sports: "We were focused on this match. They want to be in Europe and fight for the Champions League position. Completely happy with how we responded. We can't waste time, we are in our best moment. today was the first match we played with every player available. We played for 90 minutes, wow. The game plan we did and playing completely with good speed and good physical work.
On Ollie Watkins: "He played fantastic. Last week he helped us out too. On Tuesday, he played 20 minutes. His commitment is always high to get to his best and this is what we want and need. This morning I was speaking with some players about how they feel. It is a real key moment to find our best.
"It is really competitive what we are building here. We are trying to get to our standards every day and try to get our best.
"Manchester City are being consistent like they were before. They are a contender to be in the top five We are one or two points behind them, I don't know how many exactly. We are feeling strong."
FT: Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle assistant manager Jason Tindall, speaking to Sky Sports: "I think when we look back again, maybe it was a step too far for the same group of players. We've had three games in six days and you're going to play a top Villa side. We did OK in the second half but around 60 minutes it was a step too far.
"From our point of view, we weren't happy with the goals conceded. We can't fault the player's attitude. We're in a fantastic position. We're third in the Premier League and we've got five cup finals remaining.
"You think the lads have put a huge effort in. Huge performance against Manchester United and then Crystal Palace. The tiredness crept in and maybe you start making errors you don't usually make. They don't mean to make mistakes. You always have to reflect and put things right and come back stronger like we've done in the past.
On Eddie Howe's recovery: "He remains the same. With Eddie, it's a day-by-day thing. When he feels right, he will speak to me. They're the terms we've left it on. He's in good hands and the main thing is he gets back and leads the team. We've not been together for probably a day or two in maybe 17 years. I certainly miss him, even more on days like this.
"We're disappointed with the second-half performance but we have to understand it was the third game in six days. Now we go week to week so we refresh and work on the training ground to win games."
FT: Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle
Image source, PA MediaAston Villa manager Unai Emery, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Very proud of how the players responded. At Villa Park we feel so strong with our supporters. Good, positive energy and now we are competing.
"Today was a match with every player available to play. That means three players missed out on the squad, I don't like to leave three players out but it's a necessity to improve and increase our competitive way for this match."
On options from the bench: "We were missing it before and now, in the second half of the season, it's strong.
"We had to improve, get better, try to add players that would help us, recover injured players and some players were not fit enough in certain moments - and now they are. The result is a consequence of this.
"In the second half they were pushing with fresh legs and we won through that."
On using Champions League exit as motivation: "We have to feel angry when we are not winning. Of course, we enjoyed the Champions League, we have to be proud of our effort but we lost. Always when you lose, you have to be angry and respond.
"We have to focus clearly each match, each moment and be like today. I'm so happy with how we responded but now my thoughts are on the Manchester City match on Tuesday."
FT: Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Delighted, Newcastle are an unbelievable team, third in the league for a reason and we created a lot of problems for them today.
"Unbelievable performance from the boys. Our home form is really good and we just need to keep pushing now."
On scoring after 33 seconds: "Nice to see it hit the back of the net. A great start for us, it's what we need in home games. Previously we've started a bit sloppy, maybe gone behind and had to work teams out and build up patiently. That wasn't the case today. A quickfire goal which was nice."
On hitting the woodwork: "I've hit the post quite a few times, it's quite unfortunate. I can't do too much more. I was fortunate that my first goal went in off the defenders leg and I needed a bit of luck with the others."
On being a goal away from becoming Villa's leading Premier League goalscorer: "It's a great achievement for myself personally. You need to celebrate the little wins, how far I've come and how difficult it is to play consistently in the Premier League and score goals.
"I'm not letting anyone take that away from me. When I do it, I'll enjoy it."
On second-half performance: "Quickfire goals are the way to kill a game off. When you're on top, really punish them and we did that today, we were really clinical. We had a lot of joy."
On the next week: "It's a really big week for us, Man City you never know what to expect, we can't underestimate them, it's going to be tough and we've got to win the games ahead because we want that Champions League spot."
FT: Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle
Newcastle assistant manager Jason Tindall speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "On reflection over the 90 minutes Aston Villa deserved to win. From our perspective maybe a third game in six days caught up with us around about the hour is there. The effort is there. We can't lose sight of where we are.
"We now need to make sure that we mentally refresh, take a couple of days to recover and make sure we come back and work hard to deliver a good performance against Ipswich.
"We knew they would start fast. Their record here at Villa Park is what it is for a reason. We were disappointed with the start but we showed great character to get ourselves back into the game and go in level at 1-1 at half time.
"The second half we went out and started the half ok but around the hour mark when we conceded the second, the physicality and effort caught up to us. We started making little errors that are unlike us that led to goals.
"Full credit to the players, the effort they have put in this week is there for all to see but maybe today was a step too far for us.
"I wouldn't say that it is a reality check. It was always going to be a tough game coming here to Villa Park. What a fantastic side they are with a great manager. We have had many setbacks but one thing about the players and the club is we stick together and come out fighting."
FT: Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle
Finally from Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, speaking to Sky Sports about being level with Gabriel Agbonlahor's Aston Villa Premier League goal-scoring record: “I am disappointed!
“He’s going to be on talkSPORT giving it the big un.
“Nice to be up there with the top players that have played for this club."
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle
Really honest stuff from Ollie Watkins and it's very refreshing to see.
Great interview from the Villa striker.
FT: Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, speaking to Sky Sports about not playing more minutes against PSG in the Champions League: "Champions League, we have put in a lot of hard graft to get to that position.
"I played 20 minutes against PSG in both games. I am not going to lie, I was fuming that I wasn’t playing - I let him [Unai Emery] know that.
“He’s the manager, at the end of the day you have to respect his decision.
"I am not one of these players which is happy to sit on the bench.
"Something I have not experienced before and to miss out on the biggest stage.
“I think me and a few others were disappointed that we didn’t start the game, but it is the manager's decision.
“The team played well, but I wanted to be out on the pitch for much longer. I have played a big part to get to where we are today and I want to play in those games
"Against Southampton I came off the bench. I was angry I wasn’t playing and you have got to use that as motivation rather than let it hinder you.
"We are doing unbelievable now and we have a great home run. We have to keep wining these games.
“We have got to win all the games in front of us and win that Champions League spot.”
FT: Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle
Image source, Getty ImagesAston Villa's Ollie Watkins, speaking to Sky Sports: "I think obviously being out of the team nobody is happy to sit on the bench. You always want to play in the starting line-up. Today, I was ready to go and I wasn’t going to let that opportunity slip.
"We knew Newcastle were going to go man-to-man. Personally, I like it when teams do that.
“You’re focusing on beating the defender you’re up against and go from there. I think I got the better of Schar today and gave him a hard time.
"I think I played against him a few times and he’s an unbelievable defender. Today was my day and one-on-one at the back they had a lot of success previously.
"We saw them doing it against Palace and they scored five goals - the manager told us it was going to be difficult.
"It was about me getting a hold of the ball and bring people into play."
On hitting the woodwork twice: “It didn’t faze me, if anything it spurred me on as I knew I was getting a lot of opportunities. I am glad I could help the team win here today.”
On Villa's squad depth: "Since I have been at Villa, a lot of Villa fans would say it is the best squad we have had.
“The 3-4 signings we made in January, players like Rashford and Asensio coming in the quality means players like myself and players have to drop to the bench and there’s going to be lots of rotation.
“The manager is going to have a headache as I'm banging on the door asking why I’m not playing.”
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Anthony: Looked second best all game. Tired performance and not got the squad depth to have made any rotational changes or any meaningful subs. Congrats to Villa, played well. We've still got top 5 in our hands, onto the next one!
FT: Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle
Newcastle skipper Kieran Trippier, speaking to Sky Sports: "They scored straight away but a good reaction from us in the first half. Full credit to Villa, they are a top side with a top manager. They played very well and are a strong team.
"You go into every game to win. Today we were confident but Villa played very well and they deserved their victory.
On tiredness: "We can't use that as an excuse. The manager picks the eleven, we've been unchanged and that's it. We focus on the next game and that's against Ipswich.
"We want to qualify for the Champions League. Today was a setback but we've got a full week to recover and analyse where we went through today.
"You come into games like this against teams like this and it's a bit of a reality check maybe."
FT: Everton 0-2 Man City
Image source, Getty ImagesEverton boss David Moyes talking to Sky Sports: "I thought for 60 minutes we did a lot of good things. I thought we played well in the first half but the injury to James Tarkowski was a big blow to us. It affected the side. It tells you a lot that we're disappointed that we've lost to Manchester City. Ultimately we didn't do well enough in the last 15-20 minutes and that cost us.
"I don't think the players we brought on today made a big impact on the game like I hoped it would have. It is always going to be difficult against Manchester City. we did a lot of good things. We're just lacking that little bit to be really competitive. We just couldn't find a way today.
"It is probably quality. Their subs came on and helped them. I'm not sure we had the same. We needed to find a way to get a goal but I genuinely think the injury to James Tarkowski has a big blow to us. It looks like a hamstring injury but what it is we don't know at the moment.
"We've done an awful lot of good things and we're getting better. It says a lot that we're disappointed to lose 2-0 against Manchester City. I'm sort of smiling that people that we should be disappointed. I am but we've got to remember how good a side they are.
FT: Brentford 4-2 Brighton
Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo speaking to Premier League Productions: "We are very happy. Obviously we haven't won here for eight games. I think we deserved the win. We are very, very happy."
On Brentford's gameplan: "Of course we knew we could hit them in behind on the transition and this is what we did today. We respected the game plan very well. To press as high as we can and to win the ball."
On the winless run at home: "Yeah it's been hard. When they went to 10-men they kept pushing and came back but we secured the win at the end."
On the 'friendly rivalry' with Wissa: "I think we try to help the team to win, him and me. I think we can do it until the end of the season."
FT: Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle
Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Radio 5 Live
Newcastle faded today but they have been on a brilliant run and it is not time to panic. Well it's not just yet.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 23 | 7 | 2 | 74 | 31 | 43 | 76 |
| |
| 32 | 17 | 12 | 3 | 57 | 27 | 30 | 63 |
| |
| 33 | 18 | 5 | 10 | 62 | 44 | 18 | 59 |
| |
| 33 | 17 | 7 | 9 | 64 | 42 | 22 | 58 |
| |
| 32 | 17 | 6 | 9 | 51 | 38 | 13 | 57 |
| |
| 33 | 16 | 9 | 8 | 53 | 47 | 6 | 57 |
| |
| 32 | 15 | 9 | 8 | 56 | 39 | 17 | 54 |
| |
| 33 | 13 | 10 | 10 | 52 | 40 | 12 | 49 |
| |
| 32 | 13 | 9 | 10 | 47 | 43 | 4 | 48 |
| |
| 33 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 53 | 53 | 0 | 48 |
| |
| 33 | 13 | 7 | 13 | 56 | 50 | 6 | 46 |
| |
| 33 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 41 | 45 | -4 | 44 |
| |
| 33 | 8 | 14 | 11 | 34 | 40 | -6 | 38 |
| |
| 32 | 10 | 8 | 14 | 38 | 45 | -7 | 38 |
| |
| 32 | 11 | 4 | 17 | 60 | 49 | 11 | 37 |
| |
| 33 | 9 | 9 | 15 | 37 | 55 | -18 | 36 |
| |
| 32 | 10 | 5 | 17 | 47 | 61 | -14 | 35 |
| |
| 32 | 4 | 9 | 19 | 33 | 67 | -34 | 21 |
| |
| 32 | 4 | 6 | 22 | 27 | 72 | -45 | 18 |
| |
| 33 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 24 | 78 | -54 | 11 |
|
Manager: Unai Emery
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Jason Tindall
Formation: 4 - 3 - 3
Manager: Unai Emery
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Jason Tindall
Formation: 4 - 3 - 3
Premier League
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Aston Villa have lost five of their last six Premier League games against Newcastle (W1), as many as they had in their previous 16 against the Magpies in the division (W4 D7).
Newcastle have won their last three Premier League games against Aston Villa, scoring at least three goals each time. Only against Tottenham have they won more consecutively while scoring 3+ each time in the competition (5 between 2006 and 2008).
Aston Villa have won each of their last four Premier League matches, conceding just one goal. Villa are looking to win five in a row for the first time since April 2023.
Only Liverpool (35) and Arsenal (28) have won more away Premier League points this season than Newcastle United (27). They’ve won eight away games this season, last winning more in 2001-02 (9).
Since keeping five consecutive clean sheets at Villa Park in March and April 2023, Aston Villa have kept just six clean sheets in their last 37 on home soil. They are unbeaten in 15 home games (W8 D7) despite keeping just two clean sheets in that run.
Aston Villa have missed three of the five penalties they’ve taken in the Premier League this season, a conversion rate of 40%. Among teams to take 5+ pens in a season, this is the lowest by a side since Southampton in 2019-20 (also 2/5, 40%).
In all competitions, Newcastle United have won eight of their last 10 away matches (L2), with their only two defeats in that time coming at the Etihad and Anfield. Their away win percentage is 53% (10 wins in 19 games), only having a higher percentage in 2016-17 (54%, 14 wins in 26) in their entire history.
Aston Villa had 48 touches in Southampton’s box in their 3-0 win last time out, their joint-most in a Premier League game this season. They’re averaging 27.2 touches in the opposition box this season, only having more in one season on record (since 2008-09), which was 28.4 last season.
Jacob Murphy has had a hand in 13 goals in his last 17 away Premier League appearances for Newcastle United (4 goals, 9 assists), while he has three assists in seven games against Aston Villa.
Per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season, Marcus Rashford is having more touches (54), shots (3.8), creating more chances (2.8) and attempting more dribbles (5) for Aston Villa than he did for Manchester United (42 touches, 1.5 shots, 1.4 chances created and 3.5 dribbles).
