Johan Manzambi returned to haunt Newcastle after his first-half goal was enough for Aston Villa to win 1-0 at St James’ Park on Saturday Night Football.
The midfielder had agreed a deal to join the Magpies in the summer Ahead of a late bid, he moved to the Midlands and he has impressed since his debut.
He scored in the Champions League against Fernerbahce in midweek – on his 21st birthday – and continued his hot streak when he nodded the game’s only goal in the 36th minute.
In conceding, Newcastle set a new club record of 16 consecutive games in all competitions in which they have failed to keep a clean sheet.
It came shortly after a controversial moment when Sven Botman should have been sent off.
He was initially shown a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Nicolas Jackson, but VAR reviewed it for serious foul play. However, they decided not to upgrade the booking and Botman remained on the pitch.
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Was Newcastle’s Sven Botman lucky to avoid a red after ‘ferocious’ challenge on Nicolas Jackson?
“If the VAR doesn’t see that it’s red, we’re in trouble.” Sky Sports‘ said Jamie Redknapp at half-time. “It’s so dangerous. How come he didn’t break his leg there… I like to see aggression. I want to see 50/50 shots, but you can’t do that anymore.”
However, Newcastle eventually ended the first half without a shot on target. There were some better openings in the second half for the Magpies – including a wonderful save from Zion Suzuki to deny Botman – but that proved to be their only shot on target in a game where they lacked the final touch.
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Zion Suzuki denies Sven Botman’s shot on goal.
Newcastle rocked loudly at both half-time and the final whistle as the side’s stuttering start under Matthias Jaissle continued.
Aston Villa were also guilty of not finishing their chances, but looked much more like the team Unai Emery wants. The three points move them level on eight points with Newcastle and just one place behind.
More to follow…
Highlights from St James’ Park
9: CHANCE! Jackson crosses the goal, but his shot goes straight to Lukas Hornicek.
18: YELLOW! Joelinton and Botman are both booked for high challenges, with a VAR review for Botman’s foul on Jackson.
20: NO RED! VAR doesn’t see a clear and obvious foul and Botman doesn’t get a red card.
29: CHANCE! Jackson has another opportunity to score but his effort comes off the back of Botman.
35: GOAL! Manzambi rises to head home Gomes’ cross for Villa’s opener.
39: OUT OF THE POST! Emi Buendia almost makes it two for Aston Villa, but hits the post.
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Emiliano Buendia goes close to scoring Aston Villa’s second against Newcastle.
49: BIG SAVINGS! Botman’s thunderbolt is pushed away from Suzuki’s fingertips.
73: SAVE IT! From Hornicek this time as he parries away Ross Barkley’s shot.
What does the result mean and the next matches…
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