ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1):
Martinez 6; Cash 7, Konsa 7, Mings 7, Maatsen 8; Kamara 7 (Barkley 82), Tielemans 8; Asensio 8 (Onana 71), Rogers 8 (Malen 82), McGinn 7 (Ramsey 71); WATKINS 9 (Rashford 82).
Subs (not used): Olsen (gk), Disasi, Digne, Garcia.
NEWCASTLE (4-3-3):
5 Pope: Looked shaky on a number of occasions, but was hardly helped by the lack of defensive cover in front of him
3 Trippier: Had a really rough time trying and failing to contain Rogers – his lack of pace was repeatedly exposed
3 Schar: Couldn’t handle Watkins’ pace and movement – scored, but was perhaps fortunate not to be sent off
4 Burn: Wasn’t able to help Schar against Watkins and found himself pulled around as Villa attacked
6 LIVRAMENTO: Kept Villa’s right-hand side quiet for most of the game and made some purposeful attacking runs
4 Guimaraes: Was outplayed by Asensio for most of the game – committed a host of fouls before he was eventually booked
5 Tonali: Didn’t have the time or space to play his usual game – was hassled and harried throughout
5 Joelinton: Suffered a frustrating night that saw him regain his habit of picking up yellow cards
4 Murphy: Couldn’t shake off Villa’s defenders and failed to offer anywhere near enough defensive protection down Newcastle’s right
5 Isak: Hasn’t looked at his sharpest for two or three games – didn’t have any joy against the Villa defence
6 Barnes: One of Newcastle’s few bright spots – delivered a great cross for Schar’s goal
Subs:
5 Gordon (for Murphy, 65): Failed to make an impression after coming off the bench
Wilson (for Isak, 77)
Krafth (for Trippier, 77)
Willock (for Barnes, 77)
Targett (for Schar, 82)
(not used): Dubravka (gk), Miley, Longstaff, Osula.
Man Of The Match: OLLIE WATKINS – The Villa striker terrorised Newcastle at Villa Park for the second time in three seasons.
