The Newcastle player whose lack of pace was exposed – and one who ‘couldn’t cope’

Aston Villa’s rampant 4-1 victory over Newcastle United laid bare the Magpies’ defensive frailties, with Ollie Watkins delivering a masterclass in forward play that left Eddie Howe’s backline in tatters.

The England international’s relentless movement and clinical finishing earned him a deserved man-of-the-match accolade, while Newcastle’s rearguard endured a night to forget in the Midlands.

Between the sticks, Nick Pope looked uncharacteristically vulnerable, though the goalkeeper received minimal protection from his back four. The usually reliable Kieran Trippier suffered through one of his most difficult evenings in black and white, his advancing years painfully exposed against Morgan Rogers’ youthful exuberance.

Time and again, Villa targeted Newcastle’s right flank, with Trippier’s lack of recovery pace leaving gaping holes for Unai Emery’s side to exploit.

At center-back, Fabian Schar’s evening encapsulated Newcastle’s defensive nightmare. While the Swiss international nodded home a consolation goal, his struggles against Watkins’ intelligent runs nearly resulted in an early bath after several rash challenges.

Partner Schar, Dan Burn fared little better, repeatedly dragged out of position by Villa’s fluid attacking rotations. Only Tino Livramento emerged with credit from Newcastle’s defensive unit, the young full-back demonstrating both discipline and attacking intent down the left flank.

In midfield, Bruno Guimarães cut a frustrated figure, uncharacteristically wasteful in possession and drawn into multiple needless fouls before eventually seeing yellow.

Sandro Tonali found himself smothered by Villa’s intense pressing scheme, denied the time and space to dictate play as he prefers.

Joelinton’s return to bad habits proved equally concerning, the Brazilian’s physicality undermined by poor decision-making and another avoidable booking.

Newcastle’s attacking trident offered scant respite. Jacob Murphy’s ineffectual performance saw him hooked after 65 minutes, having contributed little defensively or going forward.

Alexander Isak’s recent dip in form continued, the Swedish striker comfortably marshalled by Villa’s center-back pairing.

Only Harvey Barnes provided genuine threat, his pinpoint cross for Schar’s goal a rare moment of quality in an otherwise disjointed display.

Substitutes failed to shift the momentum, with Anthony Gordon unable to replicate his recent impactful cameos.

Callum Wilson’s late introduction came far too late to influence proceedings, while defensive changes did little to shore up a backline already breached four times.

For Villa, this victory underscored their European credentials. Watkins’ predatory instincts were complemented by excellent supporting acts – Youri Tielemans controlled midfield with elegant authority, while Ian Maatsen continues to justify his January signing with another assured display.

Marco Asensio’s creative flair caused constant problems before his second-half withdrawal, and Morgan Rogers announced himself as a genuine Premier League threat with an energetic showing against experienced opposition.

Newcastle’s traveling supporters will demand swift improvements after this defensive horror show. With European aspirations hanging by a thread, Howe must address his side’s vulnerability to quick transitions and find solutions for an aging backline that appears increasingly susceptible to pace and movement.

As Villa’s players celebrated a statement victory, the Magpies were left to reflect on a performance that raised more questions than answers about their ability to compete at the top end of the table.