In an action-packed Wednesday, Newcastle left Villa Park with a result against the odds, as Fabian Schär’s two goals earned the Magpies their second-only win away from home in the Premier League this season, following their 8-0 trashing of Sheffield United in September last year. Moreover, Fabian Schär’s brace in the first half ended Aston Villa’s unbeaten streak at home in the league this season and their 17-game undefeated run, dating back to their defeat to Arsenal in February 2023. Nevertheless, Newcastle’s display at Villa Park showed glimpses of their early season form and ensured why the Premier League is the most unpredictable.
Fabian Schär’s Double Reignited Newcastle’s Early Season Spirit
It seemed like a long time ago when Newcastle dominated 5-1 Villa at home in their opening 23/24 fixture, as both teams had opposite trajectories since their last encounter. Villa was sitting pretty in the top 4 with a chance to overtake City in third, while Newcastle were in 10th after a string of disappointing performances. However, what transpired at Villa Park reminded fans of Newcastle’s early season performances.
For example, the Magpies started the game without fear, as they pressed Villa back and almost got their breakthrough when Jacob Murphy’s effort forced a brilliant 1v1 save from Emiliano Martínez before Isak narrowingly missed his follow-up. However, this set the tone for the match moving forward as Newcastle pulp Villa’s goal with numerous efforts before Fabian Schär finally broke through in the 32nd minute with a delightful half-volley after outwrestling Konsa and meeting Trippier’s corner.
The delight did not stop for Fabian Schär as the Swiss defender netted his second just four minutes later. Fabian Schär was in the correct position at the right time as he tapped in the ball after Gordon’s deflected shot rattled the crossbar from another Newcastle corner. With Villa stunned, Newcastle subsequently got their third just seven minutes after the restart when Murphy’s shot towards an open goal hit the onrushing Moreno, who unfortunately put it in the back of his own net. While Ollie Watkins brought a spark to the home team, it proved nothing more than a consolation as Newcastle became the first team to leave with all three points.
What a night🖤🤍!!! #NUFC pic.twitter.com/hdm91rnDZi
— Fabian Lukas Schär (@fabianschaer) January 31, 2024
Fabian Schär’s Goals Sinked Villa’s Top 4 Aspirations
Although it seemed like a long shot, Aston Villa’s performance before this encounter has made pundits and experts place them in contention as potential title contenders. However, after this defeat, the picture looks much more doom and gloom, as Villa could lose their top 4 positions if Spurs wins against Brentford tomorrow.
Prior to this encounter, Aston Villa had 13 wins and 43 points accumulated, their best record after 21 top-flight fixtures of a season for 125 years and were unbeaten at Villa Park. Unfortunately for Unai Emery and his crew, it ended in the least positive fashion, with goals from Fabian Schär and an own goal sinking their fate.
Speaking to Match of the Day after the match, the Spaniard acknowledged his players were out of sought and not up to task for today’s fixture. “It is a little frustrating. In the first 60 minutes, they were better. We couldn’t take chances to draw, but we had to accept and remind the players everything we did here was not perfect. I spoke with the players and told them I was very proud of them and the supporters after consecutive successful matches. One loss was always going to come. We then have to correct what we did here. We have to be demanding that we can improve. We have to react tactically.”
Eddie Howe Relieved with Newcastle’s Response to Doubters’ Queries
After watching his side being the first team to break Aston Villa’s invincibility at home, Eddie Howe felt relieved and delighted with the performances of Fabian Schär and his squad. “We answered a lot of questions, but it’s just one game, and we need to build on the last two results. It was a big win and performance, the players were really good. It was us of last year.”
The Newcastle boss continued: “We had that good start. It gave us confidence, and it was a very good away performance. Now, the challenge is to maintain that. It’s been frustrating as we’ve done well in the cup competitions away from home, but the Premier League seems to have been a different story. 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, and we have players coming back.”
As for goalscorer Fabian Schär, he admitted there was a hint of fortune in his goals. “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. Obviously, it was great to help the team with the goals and get the win.”
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWDWL
Newcastle United become the first side to win a Premier League game at Villa Park in 𝟑𝟒𝟔 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/9CvyDi7LIC
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 30, 2024
What’s Next for Aston Villa and Newcastle United?
With Villa potentially slipping out of the top 4 after matchday 22 concludes, the Lions would be hoping to bounce back and maintain a European spot with their visit to bottom-side Sheffield United in four days time.
As for Newcastle, they would hope to continue their rise by welcoming Luton, the biggest surprise of the day with a 4-0 demolition of Brighton to St. James’ Park. With Luton already defeating the Magpies in the reverse fixture earlier, Newcastle would hope to exact some revenge when the team meet in three days.
For the latest Premier League action, follow AsiaSport for daily coverage and relieve the matches through the platform’s high-definition highlights. It is just a bookmarked away from a pleasant visit to all the news of the footballing world.
Fabian Schar's double helps @nufc record their first win at Villa Park since September 2013 😤#AVLNEW pic.twitter.com/pZ5X8O6OeY
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 30, 2024
