January 31, (THEWILL) – Newcastle United ended their four-game losing streak in the English Premier League on Tuesday night, beating Aston Villa 3-1 at Villa Park. A brace from Fabian Schar and an own goal by Alex Moreno gave Newcastle a comfortable lead before Ollie Watkins pulled one back for the home side late on.
The result lifts Newcastle to seventh in the table as they aim for European qualification. It also dealt a major blow to fourth-placed Villa’s surprise title challenge this season. The defeat was Villa’s first home loss in 17 league matches at Villa Park.
Switzerland international Schar netted twice in quick succession towards the end of the first half to put Newcastle in control. Moreno then inadvertently turned the ball into his own net early in the second period to make it 3-0. Watkins managed a consolation goal with just under 20 minutes left but it was too little too late for the hosts.
The win provides a much-needed boost for Newcastle and manager Eddie Howe during a difficult period. They were without several key players through injury and transfer speculation. But Howe will be buoyed by the resilience and quality his side showed to claim an impressive away victory.
Newcastle now turn their attention to the transfer deadline on Thursday. Boss Howe does not anticipate any incoming signings at St James’ Park.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
