Switzerland’s Fabian Schar scored twice as Newcastle put an end to their four-game losing streak in the Premier League with a hard-fought win against Aston Villa. Schar’s clinical finishing from close range, coupled with an own goal from Alex Moreno, propelled Newcastle to a 3-1 victory, handing Villa their first home league defeat of the season.
Schar’s Double and Moreno’s Own Goal Seal the Win
Schar’s impressive performance saw him find the back of the net twice, while Moreno’s own goal further extended Newcastle’s lead. Despite Ollie Watkins pulling a goal back for Villa, his second potential goal was ruled offside, leaving Villa to rue missed opportunities.
Villa’s Title Challenge Takes a Hit
Villa, who had been in contention for a title challenge, suffered a setback as they failed to capitalize on an opportunity to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool. The defeat leaves them in fourth place, five points behind Liverpool, having played a game more.
Schar’s Spirit Ignites Newcastle’s Victory
Newcastle’s victory was a result of a spirited performance, with Schar’s clinical finishing and disciplined defensive work standing out. The win, only their second away victory of the season, was a much-needed boost for Newcastle, who have struggled in recent weeks.
Villa’s Title Aspirations Diminish
Villa’s recent form has seen them drop points in four of their past five games, with their title aspirations appearing to fade. Despite Watkins ending his goal drought with a smart finish, Villa’s players looked fatigued and were unable to match Newcastle’s intensity.
Player of the Match: Fabian Schar
Schar’s exceptional performance earned him the title of the player of the match, with his clinical finishing and disciplined defensive work playing a pivotal role in Newcastle’s victory.
Match Statistics
The match saw Villa dominate possession with 61% compared to Newcastle’s 39%. Both teams had a similar number of shots, with Villa registering 12 and Newcastle 14. However, Newcastle managed to convert a higher percentage of their shots on target, with 5 compared to Villa’s 6.
In conclusion, Newcastle’s victory over Villa was a significant result that saw Schar’s standout performance lead them to a crucial win. Villa, on the other hand, will need to regroup and refocus as they aim to secure a place in the top four and potentially compete in European competitions.
