BBC Newcastle
Former Newcastle United defender John Anderson on BBC Newcastle

"It's an awful corner kick, and it wasn't the greatest strike in the world either! It was poor defending as well to let the ball roll all that way, but Fabricio Coloccini and Newcastle will take it!"

Image source, Reuters

If this rain gets any worse, they might have to start playing water polo.

To be fair, Aston Villa might be better at that.

The pitch is looking very, very wet. Puddles are forming and the ball is struggling to roll.

This match could be in danger...

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You know when you see a lost child wandering aimlessly around a shop?

That resembles some of Aston Villa's defending. 

A corner is swung in, Villa can't clear and Fabricio Coloccini fires a deflected low shot into the net.

Seconds earlier Aleksander Mitrovic had a header tipped over by Brad Guzan.

Image source, Reuters

Ho ho ho, Mike...

What an impact Aleksander Mitrovic could make.

He doesn't, because he completely misses the ball...

Siem de Jong races down the right, crosses low and the strikes fluffs his lines.

Villa look pretty hopeless so far...

That is the end of Papiss Cisse's evening.

The striker limps off and is replaced by Aleksander Mitrovic.

The fans greet his arrival with big, big cheers.

BBC Newcastle
Former Newcastle United defender John Anderson on BBC Newcastle

Image source, Getty Images

"Newcastle are so lacklustre. Both sides are passing the ball around so aimlessly, it's like they both want a ball each. 

"The longer this goes on, Villa will grow in confidence because they haven't been asked any questions by the Magpies."

Papiss Cisse almost has a shooting opportunity inside the penalty area but, from Moussa Sissoko's low cross, he gets his feet tangled and the chance is gone.

Even better chance for the striker seconds later but he can only send a header at goalkeeper Brad Guzan from Daryl Janmaat's inviting cross.

Fair to say Aston Villa are not much of an attacking threat as yet... as shown by their average position graphic below.

They are keeping things tight though.

Image source, .

Image source, Reuters

A good spell of possession for Newcastle, although they end up going absolutely nowhere with it.

The Magpies do look the more dangerous of the two sides - that isn't saying a great deal though.

The first shot comes in 23 minutes.

My colleague has just described this match as resembling a game of chess...

He is being very, very generous...

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BBC Newcastle
Former Newcastle United defender John Anderson on BBC Newcastle

Image source, Reuters

"Villa haven't yet shown anything at all. There are a number of visiting players, particularly certain midfielders, that look really poor."

Newcastle boss Steve McClaren is looking a tad bored.

He isn't the only one. This is horrendous.

Remember the film Waterworld? Less is happening in this - and it is as wet.

Free-kick to Newcastle just outside the penalty area. A chance to fill the box...

A dangerous cross as well but, despite Fabricio Coloccini launching himself at the ball, Villa clear.

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Aston Villa boss Remi Garde is braving the rain, as he stands on the sidelines encouraging his players with a clap of his hands.

He hasn't given up yet...