A positive performance in many respects, but we’re left wondering what might’ve been as Newcastle were just a striker short of three points at Aston Villa.

Missed chances cost us in a generally dominant display, although there was so many aspects of today’s display that send us back to Tyneside full of encouragement – providing we sign a few strikers!

Here’s our marks out of 10 from today’s 0-0 draw in the Midlands:

Starting 11

Pope (7) – Commanded his area well and took up some great starting positions to negate any Villa attacks. Kicking typically mixed and made one solid stop to hold Malen’s near post shot.

Trippier (7) – Still working on building an understanding with Elanga but was his usual tidy self in possession and defended well. Read the danger nicely, without being tested much.

Schar (8) – Knows his position is under threat with the arrival of Thiaw but stepped up to the challenge and played really well. Gave the Villa attack nothing, came across well on the cover, win his duals and displayed his customary long diagonal balls to great effect.

*Burn (8.5) – Top shelf performance from Mr. Consistent. Threw himself into tackles, won everything in the air, bullied Watkins and barely put a foot wrong. Aggressive and timed some challenges superbly to cut out attack down the channels. Only an injury will keep him out the starting eleven at this rate!

Livramento (6.5) – Struggled with the physicality of McGinn and was caught in possession on more than one occasion. Not his best performance but did make some good challenges

Guimaraes (5.5) – Never really grabbed a foothold in the game and always seemed on the periphery. Against ten men the onus falls on him to break down teams but too often his passes were cut out and attacks broke down.

Tonali (8) – Terrific first half, where he looked the best player on the park, but faded slightly in the second. Covered every blade of grass and always presents for the ball. Protected the back four with great distinction and stuffed plenty of counter attacks. One great pass early on the put Elanga in on goal.

Joelinton (6.5) – Defensively he was strong complete with his customary yellow card! In possession he is starting to show his limitations and could see his position under threat before too long now Ramsey has arrived.

Elanga (7) – Had a real opportunity to make himself a hero and should’ve buried his chance after two minutes. Mixed bag throughout with some under and overhit crosses, but did play a lovely through ball which led to the red card and had the beating of Digne all day with his pace. Not sure how the Frenchman wasn’t booked!

Barnes (5) – Should’ve had an assist in the first half as Gordon headed over but was incredibly wasteful in the second half. Had a real opportunity to solidify his position on the left but could find himself back on the bench next week

Gordon (6.5) – Tried hard and ran his socks off but he just doesn’t have any striking instincts. Was always half a yard away from where he needed to be but his attitude and endeavour has to be commended

Substitutes

Murphy (5.5) – Seemed harshly dropped for Elanga after such a superb 2024/25, but did nothing after coming on to suggest Eddie made the wrong decision

Miley (NR)

Osula (NR)