Newcastle United back on track as Fabian Schar double sinks Aston Villa

LONDON – Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe was pleased that his side looked “more like ourselves” after ending their four-game English Premier League losing streak, as Fabian Schar’s double inspired a 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Jan 30.

The Swiss centre back struck twice in four minutes in the first half at Villa Park. Alex Moreno’s second-half own goal increased Newcastle’s advantage and Ollie Watkins’ reply came too late to spark a Villa escape act.

For the first time since beating Fulham on Dec 16, the Magpies were able to celebrate three points, although they managed victories in the FA Cup against Sunderland and Fulham during their winless league run.

“It was mixed emotions for me because that is an elite team. The mixed part is that we haven’t seen that for a number of weeks. We looked much more like ourselves,” said Howe after securing just their ­second away league victory of the season.

“We knew all eyes were on us. We’ve been on a disappointing run in the Premier League, especially away from home. It was a big result.”

The defeat was a major blow to Villa’s unexpected title challenge. It was also their first home league defeat in 17 matches since losing to Arsenal in February 2023.

“It’s a little frustrating. Today we have to accept because they deserve it. Newcastle’s power is in the set pieces. The first 60 minutes, they were better,” Villa boss Unai Emery said.

“We have to be demanding that we can improve. We have to react tactically.”

Lacking their usual cohesion, Villa took nearly half an hour to land their first shot on target, but Matty Cash’s strike lacked the power to beat Martin Dubravka.

Newcastle seized the lead in the 32nd minute when Kieran Trippier’s corner looped into the six-yard box, where Schar held off Ezri Konsa and stretched to guide his shot past Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

The Magpies struck again four minutes later as another Trippier corner was only cleared to Anthony Gordon, whose deflected shot hit the bar and bounced off Martinez before Schar applied the finishing touch from close range.

“Set pieces, today I was in the right position and there was a bit of luck to be there. Obviously, it was great to help the team with the goals and get the win,” a delighted Schar told TNT Sport.

Newcastle put the result beyond doubt in the 52nd minute.

Miguel Almiron’s low cross was prodded goalwards by Jacob Murphy and Moreno’s sliding attempt to block only succeeded in diverting the ball into his own net.

Watkins then got one back for Villa in the 71st minute with a sliding close-range finish from Leon Bailey’s cross for his first goal in seven games, but it was too late.
AFP, REUTERS