Newcastle United Report Card: Four stars drop C-grade stinkers v Aston Villa

2026-10-17 · GiveMeSport

Aston Villa cruised to a 1-0 win over Newcastle United at St James' Park in a worrying performance from Matthias Jaissle's side.

Newcastle United endured more woe at St James' Park on Saturday evening, falling to a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in a scrappy affair under the lights on Tyneside.

The Magpies were looking for a response following a 4-1 drubbing at Coventry City on Monday night, but it was an unorganised performance from Matthias Jaissle's side with Aston Villa not posed many problems by the hosts.

It was Newcastle United summer transfer target Johan Manzambi who came back to haunt them, scoring the only goal in the fixture when allowed a free header in front of the Magpies goal.

Jaissle turned to William Osula and Bazoumana Toure from the bench in the second half, but Newcastle United lacked any sort of creativity in another frustrating performance for Magpies supporters. Here's how the Newcastle United players fared on our report card.

Lukas Hornicek - B

Would be very harsh to blame Hornicek for the goal, with Manzambi afforded a free header, although his positioning perhaps should have been better. Looked a little nervous overall but got down well to stop a well-struck Ross Barkley shot with 20 minutes left to play.

Lewis Hall - A

The best Newcastle United player on the pitch today. That was a full-blooded performance from the full-back, who contributed plenty both defensively and going forwards. Will be frustrated not to see his colleagues step up to his level. Looked leggy in the later stages, but understandably so.

Sven Botman - B-

Botman had a nail-biting moment in the first half when VAR pored over a heavy challenge on Nicolas Jackson. A yellow card was the right decision. Dealt well with Jackson on the break and almost rifled a shot past Zion Suzuki shortly after half-time.

Malick Thiaw - C

Not his finest hour. Poor positioning for the Aston Villa goal and never looked fully comfortable at the heart of defence. Completely wiped out Ibrahim Mbaye late on and was rightfully shown a yellow.

Lewis Miley - B

Miley continues to be tasked with defensive work and often did not look natural when defending in the box. One of the better Newcastle United players this evening, with growing influence as the game went on. Can't fault his effort.

Nico Gonzalez - B-

Much better with the ball at his feet than without it. Was far too pedestrian when closing down the cross prior to the Aston Villa goal. Newcastle United need their midfielder to turn up in all fixtures and chip in with the less glamorous work.

Joelinton - C-

The Brazil international still looks well off the pace as he works his way back from injury. Sloppy from the off, losing the ball prior to Botman's risky challenge in the first half. Picked up a booking early on and lucky not to have been given his marching orders with persistently messy tackles as the fixture went on.

Joe Willock - D

Carried very little impact this evening. Covered a lot of ground without ever really threatening to grab the game by the scruff of its neck - drew apt comparisons to a headless chicken from supporters online.

Matias Fernandez-Pardo - C

Jaissle was coy as to Fernandez-Pardo's position prior to kick off but the 21-year-old was deployed on the flank with Yoane Wissa preferred through the middle. Did offer some dynamism and willing on the press but needs to offer much more of a goal threat.

Harvey Barnes - B+

The Magpies forward who carried the most threat. Often surrounded by Aston Villa defenders, which stopped the winger from really being able to run at Unai Emery's side. Cut a frustrated figure as Newcastle United struggled to get into the game.

Yoane Wissa - C

Tasked with leading the line this evening but offered very little threat. Had a couple of half chances with an unorthodox volley in the first half and a header in the second. Failed to pass through to Barnes with six minutes left to play, selfishly firing wide himself despite the winger having a significantly better sight of goal. That was unforgivable.

SUBS - William Osula - C, Bazoumana Toure - C, Dan Burn - N/A.

Newcastle made a major mistake not selling one dud in the summer, after he turned in a horror performance against Coventry.

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