BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ – Interesting on Newcastle United after Aston Villa 0-0…

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·16. August 2025

BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ – Interesting on Newcastle United after Aston Villa 0-0…

Interesting to read through these BBC Sport comments, following on from Newcastle United drawing 0-0 at Aston Villa.

The comments from neutrals especially telling…

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A lot of it different to what Newcastle United fans had come to expect from the BBC Sport ‘neutrals’.

The BBC Sport comments from neutrals in the past had been overwhelmingly a catalogue of abuse aimed at NUFC supporters.

Particularly stuff about the Newcastle United owners and the media-inspired pile-ons that NUFC fans have become used to, when blamed for who now owns their club.

On this occasion the politics (almost!) entirely absent, concentrating instead on matters on the pitch and in the transfer market…

The BBC Sport readers comments from neutrals, Aston Villa fans and the odd Newcastle supporter (AND Liverpool fans!!!) also contributing:

‘A great effort by a Newcastle XI but the first name mentioned in the match report is Isak. He doesn’t deserve being name checked first up in the match report so please don’t BBC.’

‘Agreed. Total lack of respect for the players who did actually turn out to play.’

‘Really? He’s the most famous and most valuable asset, the main reason people are taking about Newcastle right now, and arguably the key that would have unlocked Villas goal.

Isaak should be front and centre when discussing Newcastle failing to convert 1 of the 16 shots on goal, while he (arguably the best striker in the league or at least top 2) wasn’t playing.’

‘If you are going plead his case, at least take the time to spell his name correctly… no I’m not the spelling police but Isak is clearly not with our team atm, so he doesn’t deserve more press coverage! As for the media, they engineered the whole affair from Day 1 of the transfer window and continue to push their narrative now his head has been turned… it’s boring now.’

‘Isak, the guy who wants to move to a good team.’

‘Liverpool 1 Nufc 2 Wembley 2025 Cup final.’

‘Isak not playing is the reason why they did not score. A great striker who needs to move to level up.’

‘As an Arsenal supporter, I can only think we dodged a bullet with Isak. He has shown himself to be disloyal and extremely unprofessional. He is paid a vast sum to play for Newcastle, and like the petulant brat he is showing he is, he did not play.

Newcastle better off without him, as is any other club, until he grows up.’

‘(Liverpool fan) Yes. And if Arsenal put in a bid for Isak then you would be totally against them signing him.’

‘At 12:00 today I’d have settled for a draw, but after seeing the Toon dominate Villa in the 1st half, then playing against 10 men for 1/2 an hour, we should have won that one.’

‘I thought exactly the same. Had by far the better of the chances and looked the better side even before the red. Feels like 2 points thrown away.’

‘First half to Newcastle. Second half before the red, I thought Villa were the better side (but that might be the Guinness talking). The red card would normally have killed us, but somehow we clinched onto a point. On the day, Newcastle were the better side and should have won the game. Ifs and buts. Enjoy your champions league campaign. You have earned it. ‘

‘Don’t understand the nonsense I’m reading saying Isak is “going about it the wrong way”. He’s going about it absolutely the right way because he wants to leave. Newcastle are the ones who’ve actually gone about it the wrong way by not transfer listing him at the start of the summer and getting a replacement brought in…’

‘The fact you “Don’t understand” says everything about your comment.’

‘Why should they transfer list a player they want to keep.

If Isak wants to leave he should put in a formal transfer request, which he hasnt.

If Livarpool want to sign, be up front and put in a reasonable offer, not being underhand about it to try and get him on cheap.’

‘His job is to play football for Newcastle.

Until either his contract is finished (in 3 years) or until a transfer with another club is agreed, he should be at training and doing his best to be fit to play.

Isak had already gone on strike around 2 weeks before Liverpool even put their bid in. That’s unprofessional and a breach of contract.

FYI. I’d say the same about Wissa.’

‘I said I keep hearing nonsense from pundits (Shearer included) saying there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it and he’s chosen the wrong way.

But I’m saying, no – he’s chosen the right way. Saying he should just stay if Newcastle say no is obviously the WRONG way to go about leaving…

So it’s actually Newcastle who’ve messed up.’

‘Villa lacked creativity and as last year we were chronically slow in transition. Bizot had a great debut and after the Konsa sending off, I am more than happy to take a draw in the PSR Derby.’

‘Looks like Newcastle are just carrying on from last season (well maybe not the last game, but the season in general). Striker or no striker there is quality in the squad and we are going to be hard to beat.

If we can comfortably out-create Villa away then most of the division shouldn’t be anything to worry about (it won’t work out like that), as always it comes down to what the top 4 will do.’

‘Newcastle dominated the match, could easily have taken 3 points, would have deserved them, but this is football, you don’t always get what you deserve.’

‘Just noticed the grass grow quite a bit during that game.’

‘I think that was the sporstwash green shirts rather than the grass billowing about.’

‘As a Leeds Utd fan I have a sincere admiration for both the Magpies and Villa who have done exceptionally well over the last few years.

One player does not make a team and Newcastle will be better off with a squad of players who actually want to play for the club.

I wish both teams well for the season.’

‘Disappointing to see Villa sit back, after finally figuring out in the home game last season that the best way to beat Newcastle is to press hard from the first whistle. Back today to getting bullied by the Newcastle midfield 3. At least they got a point, and Bizot looks an absolute steal and a big upgrade on Olsen based on today. UTV.’

‘Given we have lost the previous opening games against NUFC I will take that…NUFC defence was great last season so its no wonder we did not score…we spent a lot of time going sideways not knowing how to penetrate.’

‘Great fast start to the game, died in bit in the middle. ended with pace again! Despite lacking up front Newcastle looking good, Villa a little stale. McGinn v Livramento a great match up!’

‘Newcastle looked far and away the better coached side but were toothless in attack. Still thought they done enough to nick all 3 points.

Villa were abysmal. Slow, ponderous and lacking in any kind of imagination. Could be a long season for them.’

‘Newcastle played really well in both halves and will regret not finishing Villa off. As much as they would hate to admit it, Isak would have made a difference.’

‘He might have made a difference.

Or he might have had 2 really good chances and missed them both.

He didn’t score every game last season. He’s good, but he’s not a Micky Quinn.’

‘With Isak leaving, at least there will be some competitive Sunderland derbies.’

‘But he’s not leaving because Newcastle are being greedy!’

Aston Villa 0 Newcastle 0 – Saturday 16 August 2025 12.30pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Villa

Konsa red card 66

(Stats in brackets are at half-time)