Match update

Ezri Konsa is sent off and Newcastle United fail to find a goal without Isak as the sides settle for a stalemate at Villa Park

Konsa red card seals 0-0 draw between Villa and Newcastle

Aston Villa and Newcastle United played out a goalless draw at Villa Park. Newcastle controlled much of the first half but could not convert their chances, while Villa defended with ten men after Ezri Konsa was sent off and shifted to a compact shape. Marco Bizot, making his Villa debut in goal, showed composure and helped the hosts weather the storm.

After the break Villa grew into the game and had their own moments, while Newcastle still searched for a cutting edge in the absence of a recognised striker. The visitors pressed hard but could not find the finishing touch, and the match finished with both sides leaving the pitch with a point that felt like a missed opportunity to break the deadlock.

Post match, coaches and players stressed unity amid the Isak saga and the need for a quick off field resolution, while focusing on the tasks ahead in the league and avoiding distractions from outside noise.

The red card flipped the match and forced Villa into a defensive stance, while Newcastle’s pace and persistence remained a constant test. The absence of Isak has left the visitors short on a proven goal threat, amplifying the value of every half chance and set piece. Villa’s defensive organization and Bizot’s debut performance provided a blueprint for survival, but the night underscored a broader issue for Newcastle: depth in attack when a central striker is unavailable. The Isak situation creates an ongoing narrative that could shape their decisions in the coming weeks, making this result more about psychology and cohesion than pure football.

Highlights

The next fixtures will test how quickly both teams translate this stalemate into tangible momentum.