The Magpies were without striker Alexander Isak, who is pushing for a move to Liverpool, and struggled to convert their superiority into goals.
BIRMINGHAM — Newcastle United failed to capitalise on a dominant first-half display and a man advantage as they were held to a goalless draw by Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday.
The Magpies were without striker Alexander Isak, who is pushing for a move to Liverpool, and struggled to convert their superiority into goals. Anthony Elanga, making his debut, saw an early effort denied by goalkeeper Marco Bizot, while Anthony Gordon headed wide from close range.
Villa failed to muster a single first-half shot — the first Premier League home side to do so since Fulham in May 2024. They improved after the break, with Boubacar Kamara and Ollie Watkins testing Nick Pope, before Ezri Konsa was sent off for hauling down Gordon.
Despite the dismissal, Newcastle could not break the deadlock. Manager Eddie Howe admitted his side “had to be more ruthless,” underlining the urgent need for a goalscorer if Isak departs.