English Premier League
Birmingham, Aug 16: Newcastle United were left frustrated in their Premier League opener as they failed to break down 10-man Aston Villa in a goalless draw at Villa Park, with wantaway striker Alexander Isak absent amid strong links to Liverpool.
Villa were reduced to 10 men for the final 24 minutes plus stoppage time after Ezri Konsa was shown a straight red for pulling back Anthony Gordon, yet Eddie Howe’s side could not capitalise on the advantage.
The visitors dominated the first half, with debutant goalkeeper Marco Bizot producing a fine stop to deny £55m signing Anthony Elanga early on. Gordon then missed a free header from close range, before testing Bizot again as Newcastle’s profligacy in front of goal proved costly.
Villa, who failed to register a single attempt in the first half – the first home team to do so in the league since Fulham against Manchester City in May 2024 – improved after the restart.
Boubacar Kamara’s header and Ollie Watkins’ effort both forced Nick Pope into routine saves before Konsa’s dismissal tilted the momentum back towards the visitors.
Despite sustained possession, Newcastle could not find a breakthrough, underlining their reliance on Isak, who is pushing for a move away before the transfer window closes. Howe admitted his side “had to step up and give more,” but praised their commitment and unity in challenging circumstances.
For Villa, the stalemate highlighted their lack of attacking depth. New signing Evann Guessand remained unused, leaving Watkins isolated, while Unai Emery’s side looked short of reinforcements following several key departures at the end of last season. The Spaniard will also now be without Konsa for their next league outing.
With Newcastle in need of a reliable finisher and Villa still searching for squad depth, both clubs face pressing questions in the final weeks of the transfer market. (Agencies)