Newcastle United gave supporters an extra Christmas present with yet another fantastic performance as they defeated Aston Villa 3-0 on Boxing Day.
Eddie Howe’s side went into the game full of confidence after winning their last three matches by a score of 11-1 but Aston Villa, in theory at least, offered much stiffer opposition.
Yet, Newcastle United found the opener after less than 90 seconds when Anthony Gordon curled a beauty into the top corner.
Villa fought back and had a period of sustained dominance but Jhon Duran’s red card for trampling on Fabian Schar gave the ascendency to Newcastle.
Just when it appeared the Magpies might not make the most of their advantage, Alexander Isak scored once again to all but kill the game.
A relentless Newcastle pushed Villa into several mistakes as they refused to take the foot off the gas and after seeing one goal chalked off, Joelinton found a deserved third with a bending strike in added time.
Here’s how the players rated in a fine festive victory.
Martin Dubravka – 7
Being Nick Pope’s stand in is proving to be a very enjoyable task for Martin Dubravka, who has only had a handful of saves to make across four games now. Continues to be a cool presence at the base of the team.
Kieran Trippier – 8
In his first start since October after a couple of shaky substitute cameos after returning from injury, Kieran Trippier put in a display of old. Not only was he solid defensively but he attacked with the stamina of a younger man and used the ball intelligently, especially one slide ball into Isak.
It’s such a shame his game ended in another injury set back.
Fabian Schar – 8.5
It was his great running to steal the ball from the charging Duran’s toes that (some what fortuitously) got the dangerous striker sent off and put Newcastle in total control.
Before the dynamic of the game changed and Villa were on top, Schar was again putting in an imperious display at the back and by advancing forward on the ball.
When Villa had a late flurry, the Swiss seemed to get his head on every cross and clear every dangerous ball.
Dan Burn – 8
Yet another resolute display at the back and battled well with Duran while he was on the pitch. Always where he needed to be.
Lewis Hall – 7
Kept Villa’s considerable threats from the flanks – especially Morgan Rogers – quiet and supported the attack with vigour once again. It was his dinked ball into the box that created Guimaraes’ disallowed goal but it’s surely only a matter of time before his great work starts translating into assists.
Bruno Guimaraes – 8.5
It was immense pressing, classy tackling and tidy passing in forward areas again from Bruno Guimaraes, who is continuing to flourish in a more advanced position. His excellent pass with the outside-of-the-boot for the second goal just shows the confidence he’s playing with.
Absolutely criminal that the goal his performance deserved was taken away.
Sandro Tonali – 8
Sandro Tonali showed great strength to win the ball back which started the move for the opener and that dogged work continued throughout. The Italian was making blocks and leading charges forward in a tireless display in which he still had the composure to play some great balls into the box. Again controlled the tempo, too.
Only a magnificent save denied him a goal.
Joelinton – 9
His driving run up through the middle of the park and simple pass set up Gordon for the opener and it was an all action display from the Brazilian. Excellent work-rate and pressing that rivalled his compatriot’s.
Topped off his fine display with a graceful effort right into the top corner of the net.
Jacob Murphy – 7
A quieter performance than what he has been used to in recent fixtures, with much more of the ball going down the left. Fluffed his lines when he finally got in a dangerous position the first time by not passing across the box but made no such mistake in the second as he teed up Isak for a tap-in.
Some how hit the cross bar with the goal gaping.
Alexander Isak – 9
Electric on the ball with his expert tight control and exquisite interplay. Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer aside, there can’t be many better performers in the Premier League at the moment.
Tested Emi Martinez several times with rasping efforts but got his customary goal when he tapped in from a few yards. He’s now scored in the last five games and only the ball going out by an inch stopped him from getting another assist.
Anthony Gordon – 9
An incredible finish within 90 seconds set the tempo for a sensational display. Gordon had been playing second fiddle to Murphy and Isak in recent games but was the undoubted star of the show on Boxing Day.
As well as his sensational strike, the winger ran poor Matty Cash ragged with quick turns of pace and unpredictable movement. His linkup play with Isak and Hall was top notch and he delivered several dangerous balls into the box.
Substitutes
Joe Willock – 6
Helped see the game out.
Matt Targett – 6
Came on for his first performance in over a year at right-back and didn’t look off the pace, making a couple of strong tackles.
Harvey Barnes – 6
Busy.
William Osula – N/A
Came on with a couple of minutes left.
Lewis Miley – N/A
Same as Osula.
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