Kieran Trippier’s free-kick in the 35th minute sealed the deal for Newcastle United’s third-straight win as Eddie Howe’s Magpies moved clear of the relegation zone. Trippier was however injured later on and taken to the hospital for x-rays on his foot.
“It wasn’t the prettiest – and we’re probably the first to admit that – but I think it was beautiful at the same time, from our perspective because the beauty was in our defending and in our detail,” Howe said after the win. “I thought the players gave everything to what was a difficult game, I don’t think either side played the perfect game.”
According to stats via OptaJoe, Newcastle on Sunday became the first Premier League club to score a direct free-kick in three consecutive top-flight matches (Shelvey, Trippier, Trippier) since Liverpool did so in 2013 (Suarez, Gerrard, Suarez).
Since Trippier’s Premier League debut in 2014-15, the Newcastle full-back has the second-best conversion ratio from direct free-kicks of the 83 players to have attempted 10 or more in that time. He has scored on three of his 15 opportunities, for a 20 percent clip rate; only former Crystal Palace midfielder Jason Puncheon has a better probability at 27 percent on 3-of-11 conversion rate.
Villa won the possession battle 63-37, but just were outmatched in terms of decisiveness with the ball.
While Trippier got the spotlight with his goal, it was the activity of everyone on the pitch that made the difference in limiting this resulting in a draw.
For example, Newcastle’s Joelinton had more touches (44), won more total duels (12) and made more tackles (6) than any other player against Villa.
“I think everything was wrong today,” Villa manager Steven Gerrard said. “I don’t think we were at it – we were miles away from where I want to be. We have got what we deserved. I think there was a slight improvement from us at half-time, but we can’t wait until half-time to start having a go and try to bring something to the game.”
The win this weekend put Newcastle four points clear of the relegation zone.
“To get three on the bounce is a very very good effort,” Newcastle’s Dan Burn said. Burn won man of the match honors on Sunday.
“Without a shadow of a doubt he is my man of the match,” Gary Neville said on Sky Sports about Burn’s impact on the team. “He was composed at the back and all of his work has been really good, particularly his headed clearances. I have not seen the Newcastle defense as organized as this for some time.”
Aston Villa will look to bounce back next weekend as they host Watford on Saturday (19 February).
Newcastle are back in league action next weekend as they hit the road for a marquee matchup against West Ham (Saturday, 19 February).
