Newcastle United 3-0 Aston Villa: Alexander Isak scores again

Last season Newcastle played in the Champions League but missed out on European football this season. But this win, their third in a row in the league and fourth in a row in all competitions, raises hopes of a return to continental football in 2025-26.

Since the 4-2 defeat at Brentford on December 7, Newcastle have scored 14 goals in four games, with two 4-0 wins over Leicester and Ipswich in the league contributing to this Boxing Day success, as well as a 3-1 -Victory over Leicester Brentford advance to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

“I have to complement the players and their performance, they are good results and performances,” said coach Eddie Howe.

“We looked like we could score at any moment, the attacking players have regained their confidence which is great to see and we look in great shape.”

“Alexander Isak has incredible quality. He’s the right age, has the right athletic profile, I signed him and I love him. I wouldn’t trade him with anyone.”

Against Ipswich, the Magpies scored after just 26 seconds and Howe’s side got off to another bright start, with Tonali and Joelinton playing crucial roles before England international Gordon scored his fourth goal of the season.

Duran has scored 12 goals this season, including the winner in the memorable 1-0 Champions League win over Bayern Munich, but will now miss Villa’s next three games, all at home – the Premier League Games against Brighton and Leicester and the FA Cup third round tie against West Ham.

After Duran’s dismissal, Newcastle increased the pressure, Schar was denied by Martinez, who later parried Tonali with a great save.

When Isak pulled the ball back and Bruno Guimaraes finished, the hosts thought they had a second shot, but Isak had failed to keep the ball in play before the pass.

An altercation at half-time saw Newcastle assistant coach Jason Tindall sacked, while Villa substituted Ollie Watkins to save the game.

But the English striker barely saw any of the ball as Newcastle made good use of their man advantage. After Isak made it 2-0 with his shot in the 59th minute, the Swede had a goal disallowed before Jacob Murphy hit the crossbar from eight meters away and the goal was unguarded.

Newcastle thought they had scored a third late on when Ezri Konsa’s free throw bounced off Guimaraes, although this was not possible as the ball had hit the Brazilian’s elbow.

But the third goal finally came in the 92nd minute through Joelinton as the home fans celebrated a fully deserved three points and Villa had a day to forget.