Newcastle player ratings v Aston Villa: ‘Colossal’ 9/10 & ‘infuriating’ 5/10 in 0-0 draw, players need to move in
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United began their 2025-26 Premier League campaign with a hard-fought goalless draw against Aston Villa, a match that showcased defensive resilience but exposed familiar attacking frustrations.
The Magpies lined up with debutant Anthony Elanga in a reshaped frontline, while new signings Malick Thiaw, Park Seung-soo, and Aaron Ramsdale watched from the bench, awaiting their opportunities to make an impact.
The match started brightly for the visitors, who should have been ahead within the opening exchanges. Elanga squandered a golden one-on-one opportunity inside five minutes, failing to convert when clean through on Emiliano Martinez’s goal.
Moments later, Anthony Gordon – deputizing as the central striker in Alexander Isak’s controversial absence – headed wastefully over from Harvey Barnes’ dangerous cross when unmarked just eight yards out.
Villa grew into the contest after surviving Newcastle’s early onslaught, controlling possession for large spells of the second half until Ezri Konsa’s 66th-minute dismissal for hauling down Gordon as the last defender.
Despite the numerical advantage, Newcastle lacked the cutting edge to break down Villa’s reorganized defense, with substitute Jacob Murphy and Lewis Miley failing to provide the necessary spark in the closing stages.
Defensive Solidity Provides Foundation
The clean sheet owed much to Newcastle’s defensive organization, with Dan Burn producing a monstrous performance at center-back.
The towering defender won countless aerial duels and made several crucial interventions, earning our man-of-the-match honors with a commanding 9/10 display.
Alongside him, Fabian Schar distributed intelligently while Kieran Trippier handled Morgan Rogers’ threat admirably down Villa’s left flank.
In goal, Nick Pope reminded everyone of his shot-stopping qualities with sharp saves to deny Boubacar Kamara and Ollie Watkins after the interval.
The England international’s assured handling and command of his area provided a reassuring presence throughout.
Midfield Battle Reveals Mixed Performances
Sandro Tonali anchored midfield superbly, breaking up play and recycling possession efficiently during an impressive first-half showing that merited his 8/10 rating.
However, partner Bruno Guimarães looked uncharacteristically off-color, uncharacteristically surrendering possession on multiple occasions in what constituted a rare below-par outing (6/10).
Joelinton’s physical presence caused problems but his influence waned as the game progressed (6/10).
Attacking Concerns Persist
Further forward, Newcastle’s lack of a clinical edge proved concerning. Elanga’s electrifying pace caused problems but his final product frustrated (5/10), while Barnes showed flashes of danger without consistent end product (6/10).
Gordon worked tirelessly as the makeshift center-forward (6.5/10) but his finishing let him down when it mattered most.
The substitutes failed to change the game’s complexion, with Murphy and Miley struggling to impose themselves during their brief cameos.
Youngster Will Osula showed promising movement after his 89th-minute introduction but arrived too late to affect proceedings.
Unused Options Hint at Future Adjustments
Howe’s decision to leave Thiaw, Ramsdale, and South Korean sensation Park Seung-soo on the bench suggests these new signings require more integration time before claiming starting roles.
Their eventual introductions will likely come in next week’s home opener against newly-promoted Southampton.
While the point represents a solid foundation, Newcastle’s inability to capitalize against ten men for nearly half an hour will concern Howe, particularly with the Isak situation still unresolved.
The performance highlighted both the squad’s defensive resilience and the urgent need for more cutting edge in attack as the transfer window enters its decisive phase.
Full Player Ratings:
Nick Pope (7) – Commanding presence with crucial second-half saves
Kieran Trippier (7) – Defensive solidity and set-piece delivery
Fabian Schar (7) – Intelligent distribution from deep
Dan Burn (9) – Dominant in duels, impeccable positioning
Tino Livramento (6) – Mixed bag defensively but offered width
Sandro Tonali (8) – Midfield general, broke up play superbly
Bruno Guimarães (6) – Uncharacteristically loose in possession
Joelinton (6) – Physical but inconsistent influence
Anthony Elanga (5) – Pace threatened but finishing poor
Harvey Barnes (6) – Lively but final ball inconsistent
Anthony Gordon (6.5) – Tireless running but lacked composure
Substitutes: Jacob Murphy (N/A), Lewis Miley (N/A), Will Osula (N/A)
Unused: Ramsdale, Hall, Botman, Thiaw, Krafth, Park