Ten-man Aston Villa battled to a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Newcastle United in their Premier League season opener at Villa Park on Saturday, frustrating a visiting side that dominated but lacked a clinical edge without their main striker, Alexander Isak.
Villa played the final 24 minutes plus stoppage time at a numerical disadvantage after defender Ezri Konsa was sent off for a last-man foul. However, Newcastle, missing the wantaway Isak, who is reportedly seeking a transfer to Liverpool, failed to find a breakthrough.
The visitors created the best opportunities of the match in the first half but were left to rue their wastefulness. New £55 million winger Anthony Elanga was denied by a fine early save from Villa’s debutant goalkeeper, Marco Bizot, while Anthony Gordon, deputising in a central forward role, headed a clear chance over the crossbar and later tested Bizot again.
Villa, in contrast, were passive for large spells and failed to register a single shot in the first half, becoming the first home side to do so in a Premier League match since Fulham against Manchester City in May 2024.
Unai Emery’s side showed more intent after the interval, with Boubacar Kamara and Ollie Watkins both forcing saves from Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope. Their momentum was halted in the 66th minute, however, when Gordon was sent racing clear by Elanga, prompting Konsa to pull him back and receive a straight red card.
The dismissal forced Villa to retreat and defend for the remainder of the contest, which they did successfully to secure a point.
The absence of Isak has overshadowed Newcastle’s pre-season preparations, but manager Eddie Howe insisted his team was focused. Speaking after the game, Howe said his players knew they “had to step up and give more,” and praised their collective effort despite the result.
For Villa, the performance highlighted concerns about squad depth. In his pre-match programme column, manager Unai Emery called for a review of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, which he feels limit clubs like his. With only one new signing in the starting lineup and new striker Evann Guessand an unused substitute, Villa appeared weaker than the side that finished last season.
What’s next?
Aston Villa will travel to face Brentford next weekend before hosting Crystal Palace before the end of the month.
Newcastle United face a stern test as they welcome champions Liverpool to St. James’ Park next Sunday, followed by a trip to Leeds United.
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