NEWCASTLE (REUTERS) - Newcastle United's Kieran Trippier scored for the second successive game as Eddie Howe's side earned a 1-0 win over Aston Villa at home in the Premier League on Sunday (Feb 13).

The win moved 17th-placed Newcastle four points clear of the relegation zone, with 21 points from 23 games. Villa are six points ahead in 11th.

Newcastle had a penalty overturned by VAR in the 33rd minute when a Calum Chambers foul on Joe Willock was deemed to have taken placed outside the box, but Trippier blasted the resultant free kick through the Villa wall to give the hosts a deserved lead.

Villa showed more adventure after the interval and Ollie Watkins had the ball in the net with a reaction header just after the hour-mark, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside following another VAR check.

Clear goal-scoring opportunities, however, were in limited supply for both sides as Newcastle completed the job with a tidy defensive display for their second straight league victory at home and third overall.

It was far from vintage by Newcastle, who created little. However, it was another reminder of the resilience they have shown under manager Howe, who took charge last November after the Saudi investment fund's takeover of the club.

“In the last three games I don’t think there’s been any secret to how we’ve won the games. They’ve not been fluid footballing performances, but it’s been very disciplined and hard-working,” he said.