Villa move level with City after slick win at Newcastle | OneFootball

Aston Villa kept up the pressure near the top of the Premier League with a commanding 2-0 win at Newcastle, courtesy of goals from Emiliano Buendia and Ollie Watkins.

The first minutes were cagey, but Unai Emery’s side were clinical on the counter, showing why they have been the Premier League’s most dangerous away team this season.

Buendia opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a sublime long-range strike that left Nick Pope with no chance.

The Magpies pushed men forward in search of an equaliser, but Watkins sealed the points late on, heading home Lucas Digne’s cross to leave the away end singing in the rain.

Despite some early scares - including a close-range effort from Sandro Tonali and a near-header from Lewis Miley - Villa remained solid, and Pope was rarely tested by the decisive strikes.

The win moves Villa level on points with Manchester City in second, while Newcastle will rue a missed opportunity to overtake the champions.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

13':

Opportunity wasted! Pau Torres of Aston Villa attempted a header from the right side of the six-yard box, but it sailed high and wide to the right. The chance was set up by Youri Tielemans, who delivered a cross following a corner kick.

14':

Opportunity wasted! Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa attempted a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went off target. The assist came from Morgan Rogers.

Aston Villa takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Newcastle United. Emiliano Buendía scores with a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, finding the top left corner of the net. The assist comes from Morgan Rogers.

19':

GOAL Aston Villa: Emiliano Buendía (Aston Villa) scores!

Emiliano Buendía scores goal number 5 in the competition (21 matches)

41':

Opportunity wasted. Emiliano Buendía from Aston Villa attempted a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sailed over the goal and to the right.

55':

Missed opportunity! Harvey Barnes from Newcastle United attempted a left-footed shot from close range but couldn't find the target.

55':

Opportunity wasted. Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United attempted a left-footed shot from inside the six-yard box, but it sailed high over the goal. The assist came from Harvey Barnes.

58':

Missed opportunity. Jacob Ramsey of Newcastle United took a right-footed shot from the center of the box, which was close but ultimately off target following a corner kick.

62':

Missed opportunity. Pau Torres of Aston Villa attempted a header from the right side of the six-yard box but sent it wide to the left. The assist came from Youri Tielemans, who delivered a cross following a corner kick.

88':

GOAL Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) scores!

Ollie Watkins scores goal number 8 in the competition (23 matches)