Match report and highlights as Newcastle burst out of the traps to secure stunning win over Aston Villa; Sandro Tonali, Alexander Isak (2), Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes grabbed the goals in 5-1 win at St James' Park; Moussa Diaby scored Villa's goal; Newcastle top after opening win
Sunday 13 August 2023 10:03, UK
Newcastle produced a scintillating attacking performance to start the new Premier League season with a statement 5-1 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday Night Football.
In a thrilling first half at St James' Park, it was the tale of two debutants as midfielder Sandro Tonali opened the scoring for the hosts six minutes in before Moussa Diaby brought Aston Villa level five minutes later.
Alexander Isak found the net for the first time five minutes later to restore Newcastle's lead after an end-to-end opening to the game before he extended Eddie Howe's side advantage in the second half with a deft finish.
Callum Wilson added Newcastle's fourth in the 77th minutes before new signing Harvey Barnes' added-time goal rounded off a stunning opening day for Howe's team, who face champions Manchester City next weekend, as they finished Saturday top of the table.
"We want the supporters to dream," a delighted Howe told Sky Sports.
"We have to focus on Manchester City away - it's the hardest fixture in the Premier League so that is a sobering thought for us. We're looking at can we win the game fully in the knowledge they are the best team, they have been the bench mark."
Meanwhile, it was a disappointing start for Unai Emery's Aston Villa, who lost defender Tyrone Mings to a significant injury in the first half. Villa never really recovered as defensive lapses proved costly as they suffered their biggest opening day defeat to leave Emery with plenty to ponder.
"This week is very sad for us," he told Sky Sports. "With Emilio Buendia, today with Tyrone Mings. We lost today but there was something that was more than we wanted but the worst today was the injury with Tyrone.
"We have to take some days in reflection and then prepare for the game against Everton."
In a blistering start to the game, Tonali made the perfect start to his Newcastle career. The former AC Milan midfielder drifted into the penalty area after making a late run before converting Anthony Gordon's cross to give the home side the lead.
It almost got even better for Newcastle and Tonali, who was denied by a smart save from Emiliano Martinez minutes later. It proved to be a crucial moment as Villa got themselves back on level terms in the 11th minute.
Lucas Digne's cross was flicked on by Ollie Watkins and the ball fell for Villa's debutant Diaby, who produced a smart finish on the half volley to bring Emery's side level.
That lead lasted just five minutes as the topsy-turvy nature of the game continued. Sven Botman did brilliantly to hook a free-kick back into the danger area and Isak was on hand to restore Newcastle's advantage as the goal survived a VAR check for a tight offside decision.
Aston Villa, who lost defender Mings to what looked like an extremely serious injury midway through the first half, went close to an equaliser just before half-time as Douglas Luiz headed wide and Diaby's low strike was kept out by Nick Pope.
There was a worrying moment in 10 minutes of added time at the end of the first half as Martinez, who was way out of his penalty area, dragged down Miguel Almiron out on the touchline. The home fans wanted a red card produced but referee Andy Madley pulled out a yellow card for the Argentina international.
Aston Villa, who bought on Pau Torres for Mings in the first half, replaced Leon Bailey with Youri Tielemans at the break, but it was Newcastle who struck first in the second half. Isak pounced on an error from Ezri Konsa before producing a deft finish over Martinez to extend his side's advantage.
Martinez produced a decent block to deny Isak a hat-trick moments later before Matty Cash spurned Villa's best chance of the second half after Watkins' shot was parried by Pope.
Newcastle introduced new signing Barnes and Wilson late on and the pair combined to add Newcastle's fourth, and they still could have had more goals.
Barnes picked out Wilson again and the England striker produced a sloppy finish, which allowed Martinez to make the block before Joelinton saw a header cleared off the line by Watkins.
But there was to be a fifth goal as Barnes put the exclamation mark on a stunning performance from Newcastle.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe to Sky Sports:
"We want the supporters to dream.
We have to focus on Manchester City away - it's the hardest fixture in the Premier League so that is a sobering thought for us.
"We're looking at can we win the game fully in the knowledge they are the best team, they have been the bench mark.
"[Counter-pressing] is a big part of our game. If you are going to press teams high and be aggressive those moments are key.
"If you aren't good in those aspects in the first couple of seconds of transition then you are going to have problems.
"It is always a game of cat and mouse with and without the ball. There was some nervy moments for us. Our style was a key aspect of the win."
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery to Sky Sports after the loss against Newcastle:
"Newcastle are strong at home and they started winning and when we were in the match and we score the goal and we had good chances with Ollie [Watkins].
"In the second half we tried to change and tried to control the match but when they scored the third goal the match was finished. But Newcastle deserved in 90 minutes to win and then we had some momentums that were good but it wasn't enough today.
"This week is very sad for us. With Emilio Buendia, today with Tyrone Mings. We lost today but there was something that was more than we wanted but the worst today was the injury with Tyrone.
"We have to take some days in reflection and then prepare for the game against Everton."
Sky Sports' Jamie Redknapp:
"Newcastle's recruitment has been unbelievable. Isak is such a fantastic player and a world star.
"He can score goals, he's great on the ball. This guy can do everything. He's a sensational player.
"You can tell from his interview, he's so unassuming. I don't think he realises what a fantastic footballer he is."
This was Newcastle's biggest win in their opening match of a league campaign since 2002/03 (4-0 v West Ham)
Meanwhile, it's the first time Aston Villa have conceded 5 or more goals in their first league match since 1951/52 (2-5 v Bolton Wanderers).
Newcastle will finish a day top of the Premier League table for the first time since August 13th 2007, under Sam Allardyce.
Newcastle's Callum Wilson has scored on the opening matchday in each of the last four Premier League seasons, with only Mohamed Salah ever doing so in more consecutive campaigns (six since 2017-18).
Newcastle face champions Manchester City next Saturday, kick-off 8pm.
Meanwhile, Villa are in action next Sunday, live on Super Sunday when Everton visit Villa Park.
