Newcastle produced a scintillating attacking performance to start the new Premier League season with a statement 5-1 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday Night Football.
2023/2024 Premier League
5-1
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
6' GOAL! Newcastle 1-0 Aston Villa (Tonali)
7' Tonali's shot stopped by Martinez
11' GOAL! Newcastle 1-1 Aston Villa (Diaby)
16' GOAL! Newcastle 2-1 Aston Villa (Isak)
29' Injured! Mings is stretchered off
54' Yellow Card! E. Martinez booked
58' GOAL! Newcastle 3-1 Aston Villa (Isak)
77' GOAL! Newcastle 4-1 Aston Villa (Callum Wilson)
86' Coutinho in,Diaby out
91' GOAL! Newcastle 5-1 Aston Villa (Barnes)
Match Report
In a thrilling first half at St James' Park, it was the tale of two debutants as midfielder Sandro Tonali (6) opened the scoring for the hosts before Moussa Diaby brought Aston Villa level (11).
Alexander Isak found the net for the first time five minutes later (16) to restore Newcastle's lead after an end-to-end opening to the game before he extended Eddie Howe's side advantage in the second half (58) with a deft finish.
Callum Wilson added Newcastle's fourth (77) before new signing Harvey Barnes (90+1) rounded off a stunning opening day for Howe's men as they finished Saturday top of the table.
Meanwhile, it was a disappointing start for Unai Emery's Aston Villa, who lost defender Tyrone Mings to a significant injury in the first half. Villa never really recovered as defensive lapses proved costly as they suffered their biggest-ever opening day defeat to leave Emery with plenty to ponder.
What's next?
Newcastle face champions Manchester City next Saturday, kick-off 8pm.
Meanwhile, Villa are in action next Sunday, live on Super Sunday when Everton visit Villa Park.
Line-ups
Newcastle XI: Trippier, Schar, Burn, Pope, Almiron, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Isak, Tonali, Gordon, Sven Botman
Subs: Dubravka, Callum Wilson, Lascelles, Targett, J.Murphy, Elliot Anderson, Barnes, Sean Longstaff, Tino Livramento
Aston Villa XI: E. Martinez, Digne, McGinn, Mings, Ollie Watkins, Bailey, Kamara, Ngoyo, Matty Cash, Douglas Luiz, Diaby
Subs: Coutinho, R. Olsen, Chambers, Tielemans, Carlos, P. Torres, Cameron Archer, Jaden Philogene, Omari Kellyman