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Newcastle drew 0-0 with Aston Villa in their Premier League opener, struggling without Alexander Isak. Villa’s Ezri Konsa was sent off, but Newcastle couldn’t capitalise.
Premier League: Aston Villa and Newcastle United played out 0-0 draw (AP)
Newcastle received a troubling preview of life without Alexander Isak as they were held to a 0-0 draw in their Premier League opener at Aston Villa, despite Ezri Konsa’s dismissal. Villa defender Konsa was sent off for a professional foul on Anthony Gordon midway through the second half on Saturday. Newcastle were unable to capitalise on this advantage, displaying a lacklustre performance that highlighted their desperation to keep hold of Isak.
The Swedish striker was absent against Villa, reportedly having informed the club that he wants to leave St James’ Park to join Premier League champions Liverpool. Isak, 25, was the subject of a rejected £110 million ($149 million) bid from Liverpool earlier in August. He played a crucial role in Newcastle’s securing Champions League qualification and ending their 56-year trophy drought last season. It is reported that Isak is refusing to train or play, trying to force a move away from the club he joined from Real Sociedad in 2022. He did not participate in Newcastle’s pre-season tour, opting to train alone at his former club Sociedad instead.
Isak has three years remaining on his Newcastle contract, and he is expected to be fined for missing a competitive match this weekend. Gordon led the line in Isak’s absence, starting out of position in the centre of Newcastle’s three-man attack. Anthony Elanga made his Newcastle debut following his £55 million ($74 million) move from Nottingham Forest, while Malick Thiaw, a defender signed from AC Milan, was among the substitutes. Without Isak driving their attack, Newcastle failed to convert their territorial dominance into goals, leaving manager Eddie Howe hoping for a quick resolution to the transfer saga before the window closes in September.
What Happened In Aston Villa Vs Newcastle United?
Villa manager Unai Emery could take pride in his team’s resilient effort after Konsa’s red card. Emery acknowledged it had been a “challenging” transfer window due to Premier League profit and sustainability rules, resulting in just two new signings. Marco Bizot, recruited from Brest, made his debut in goal in the absence of the suspended Emiliano Martinez, while Evann Guessand, a striker signed from Rennes, was on the bench. Elanga missed a golden chance for a debut goal, with his shot being saved by Bizot after sprinting through on goal.
Gordon was similarly wasteful, heading Harvey Barnes’ cross over the bar from just six yards. Newcastle threatened again when Bruno Guimaraes headed a free-kick towards Barnes, who found Gordon. Gordon’s low strike from 20 yards was turned away by Bizot. Howe was visibly frustrated as Newcastle’s missed opportunities piled up. Newcastle had eight shots in the first 30 minutes, while lacklustre Villa managed just two touches in the visitors’ penalty area and failed to register a single shot in the entire first half.
Villa finally tested Newcastle keeper Nick Pope with a header from Boubacar Kamara immediately after the interval. However, Emery’s team was reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute when Elanga’s excellent pass sent Gordon towards goal, prompting a desperate tug from Konsa that brought Gordon down and earned the defender a red card. Newcastle pressed for a winner with their numerical advantage, but Barnes’ goal-bound volley was blocked by Matty Cash, and Bizot denied Gordon, allowing Villa to hold on for the draw.
(With inputs from AFP)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha… Read More
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