Premier League: Aston Villa, Newcastle Held To Disappointing Draws

(Credit: AFP, AP)

Aston Villa remain winless in the 2025-26 Premier League season after squandering a one-goal and a man advantage in a 1-1 draw at Sunderland, while Newcastle United were held to a goalless draw at Bournemouth on Sunday.

Villa Blown Away at Sunderland

Unai Emery’s side looked set to end their winless streak after Sunderland defender Reinildo Mandava received a red card in the 33rd minute for kicking out at Matty Cash. Villa had failed to score in their previous four league matches but finally broke the deadlock when Cash unleashed a powerful long-range strike that deceived Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs.

However, Villa’s lead lasted just eight minutes as Wilson Isidor capitalized on Granit Xhaka’s misjudged header to score his third goal in three Premier League games at the Stadium of Light.

Ollie Watkins missed two late opportunities to snatch all three points, leaving the England striker still searching for his first goal of the season. Villa remain in the bottom three with only three points from five games, raising fresh concerns about Emery’s project hitting a rough patch.

Meanwhile, Sunderland continue to impress, sitting seventh after losing just once in their opening five fixtures, defying the trend of newly promoted teams struggling to survive.

Newcastle Struggle for Goals at Bournemouth

Newcastle United also failed to find the net in a 0-0 draw at Bournemouth, highlighting their ongoing problems in the absence of departed striker Alexander Isak.

Manager Eddie Howe made seven changes to refresh his squad following their 2-1 Champions League defeat to Barcelona on Thursday, including the return of record signing Nick Woltemade up front. In a tight game with few clear-cut chances, Bournemouth’s best opportunity came in stoppage time when goalkeeper Nick Pope saved Justin Kluivert’s free-kick.

The point was enough to lift Bournemouth temporarily to third place in the Premier League table. Newcastle, meanwhile, continue to draw all three of their away games 0-0 this season.

Title Race Update

Liverpool remain six points clear at the top after five matches, while Arsenal can move to within three points of the leaders and leapfrog Manchester City into second place should they win their marquee clash against the defending champions on Sunday.

The Premier League is already shaping up to be a tight race at both ends of the table, with Aston Villa and Newcastle searching for form while the top clubs fight to maintain early-season momentum.

(with AFP inputs)