Aston Villa 1-3 Newcastle: Schar scores a brace as Magpies end Villans unbeaten home run
Newcastle United's defender Fabian Schar scored twice in the first half to set up a comfortable 3-1 win at Aston Villa on Tuesday, ending the Magpies' run of five consecutive Premier League away defeats.
Swiss center back Schar opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a superb half-volley from a corner, and four minutes later he added a second with a close-range finish after an Anthony Gordon shot was deflected into the crossbar.
The visitors were dealt a blow just before halftime when Swedish striker Alexander Isak had to be replaced due to an injury, with Miguel Almiron coming off the bench and winger Anthony Gordon moving up front.
Villa midfielder John McGinn had a great chance just before the break, outmuscling Newcastle teenager Lewis Miley, but his header from a corner went harmlessly over the bar.
Newcastle's third came seven minutes into the second half, when an incisive attack down the left resulted in a brilliant ball from Miguel Almiron to Jacob Murphy, whose shot was bundled into his own net by Villa fullback Alex Moreno.
Keeper Martin Dubravka appeared to be giving Newcastle manager Eddie Howe another injury headache as he received treatment on several occasions, but the Slovakian remained on the pitch to finish the game.
The introduction of Leon Bailey gave the Villa attack a much-needed boost, and Ollie Watkins pulled one back for Villa in the 71st minute thanks to his cross.
Watkins had another effort ruled out for offside two minutes later, but Newcastle held on comfortably to climb to seventh place in the table with 32 points, while Villa remained fourth with 43.
"Set pieces, it's normal to go forward and today I was in the right position and there was a bit of luck to be there," a delighted Schar told TNT Sport.
"Obviously it was great to help the team with the goals and get the win."
Howe expressed satisfaction with the outcome, but there was a hint of frustration in the coach's post-game remarks following a string of poor performances in recent weeks.
"It was mixed emotions for me because that team is an elite team - the mixed part is that we haven't seen that for a number of weeks. We looked much like ourselves."
SportsLigue