Newcastle United vs Aston Villa. Premier League.
St James' Park, NewcastleAttendance52,207.
Report and free match highlights from the Premier League clash between Newcastle and Aston Villa at St James' Park as Kieran Trippier's free-kick sealed a third straight win for Eddie Howe's Magpies; Ollie Watkins second-half header ruled out for offside after VAR review
Monday 14 February 2022 11:34, UK
Newcastle's Premier League survival hopes gained further momentum as a superb free-kick from Kieran Tripper - who later left St James' Park on crutches - earned them a 1-0 win over Aston Villa.
For the third game in succession, the Magpies scored from a direct free-kick, when the right-back curled home moments after the VAR had ruled a foul on Joe Willock had taken place outside the penalty area (35).
The 31-year-old was taken off injured shortly after half-time, however, and, after the final whistle, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe confirmed he had been taken to hospital for an X-ray on his foot.
Howe said: "Trippier got stamped on and he couldn't continue with a problem on the top of his foot, so he's gone for an X-ray at the hospital.
"We're keeping everything crossed hoping that there's no broken bone."
The visitors thought they had levelled with an hour gone, but Ollie Watkins' leveller was ruled out after he was adjudged to have strayed marginally offside following another VAR review, leaving Newcastle four points above the Premier League relegation zone.
Much of the first half-hour offered promise but lacked a cutting edge from either side, who struggled to bring their attacking players into play. If anything, Newcastle looked the more threatening, though, with Ryan Fraser's runs and crosses from the right flank proving a nuisance for the visitors, who were largely passive.
Just after the half-hour, Newcastle were awarded a penalty when Calum Chambers clumsily tripped Joe Willock as he rampaged towards goal. After a moment's hesitation, referee Craig Pawson pointed to the spot, though the decision was later downgraded to a free-kick on the edge of the area upon consultation with VAR Paul Tierney.
A lengthy delay followed as the teams organised themselves, before Trippier curled a beautiful effort around the Villa wall and past goalkeeper Emi Martinez, via the slightest deflection off Emi Buendia's knee - his second goal in as many games.
The Magpies started the second half brightly, but Villa grew and took advantage of some slack defending, with Watkins heading in from a yard or two out after a cross was flicked into his path. He had strayed just millimetres ahead of Emil Krafth, though, and it was eventually ruled out, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Villa boss Steven Gerrard introduced Leon Bailey and Danny Ings in an attempt to freshen up his side's attack and force an equaliser, but chances came at a premium thereafter and Newcastle took the points.
Gary Neville on Sky Sports Premier League:
"Without a shadow of a doubt he is my man of the match. He was composed at the back and all of his work has been really good, particularly his headed clearances. I have not seen the Newcastle defence as organised as this for some time."
Newcastle's Eddie Howe told Sky Sports: "It wasn't the prettiest - and we're probably the first to admit that - but I think it was beautiful at the same time, from our perspective because the beauty was in our defending and in our detail. I thought the players gave everything to what was a difficult game - I don't think either side played the perfect game.
"We feel we have got a good balance; the shape of the team is good and we feel the organisation is there. We had to manage the lead and do the horrible things really well and, even in the last few minutes, the lads were putting their bodies on the line and stopping crosses and blocking shots - everything you need when you are in a relegation battle.
"In weeks gone by, we might have lost that game - or not won it - and now I think we are showing newfound resilience and confidence, so that is great to see."
Aston Villa's Steven Gerrard told Sky Sports: "I think everything was wrong today. I don't think we were at it - we were miles away from where I want to be. We have got what we deserved. I think there was a slight improvement from us at half-time, but we can't wait until half-time to start having a go and try to bring something to the game.
"We didn't deserve any luck today because you make your own luck so, inevitably, we are going away with what we deserve.
"I think we have got to be braver, first and foremost. You have got to want to stop the ball going in your goal. It's not the time now for me to be digging anyone out or pointing fingers, but I don't think Newcastle have had to play great to get a result.
"That's a concern for me and something we're going to have to improve on very quickly. We've got to be careful we don't think we're just OK in the middle of this league because you can be dragged down and you can be dragged down very quickly. We've got lots of work to do."
Eddie Howe said it himself - it wasn't pretty. But Newcastle held on for a narrow victory and gave their chances of survival, which have looked slim for much of the season so far, a huge boost. The result moves them four points clear of 17th-placed Norwich with a game in hand.
There were not too many clear cut chances for either side, but the game was, ultimately, settled by a moment of quality from Kieran Trippier, whose wonderful curling free-kick - after Newcastle had seen a penalty downgraded to a free-kick by VAR Paul Tierney - sealed a significant win for the hosts in front of a raucous crowd.
While the winner was wildly celebrated, the cheers were perhaps even louder when Ollie Watkins' headed equaliser was chalked off for a marginal offside with the help of a second VAR review with an hour gone.
The manner of the victory was representative of Newcastle's revival: on nine occasions this season they have taken the lead in games and gone on to either draw or lose, while only on three occasions have they scored first and won, with two of those coming in their last three Premier League games.
Of course, the downside was the news that Trippier was carted off to hospital for an x-ray after his second half substitution. He has been integral to the Magpies' resurgence over the last month, with two goals in four games since his January move from Atletico Madrid and Howe will be all too aware his presence will be key to the battle to stay up.
Newcastle visit West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday February 19 at 12.30pm, while Aston Villa host Watford on the same day at 3pm.
