Schar's Brace Sparks Newcastle's 3-1 Triumph at Aston Villa

 Schar's Brace Sparks Newcastle's 3-1 Triumph at Aston Villa

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa in action with Fabian Schar and Jacob Murphy of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park on January 30, 2024 in Birmingham, England(Image-Getty)

Fabian Schar’s brace ignites Newcastle's 3-1 victory at Aston Villa, halting a four-game Premier League losing streak and handing Unai Emery’s side their inaugural home defeat this season.

Schar's swift double within five minutes in the first half, coupled with an unfortunate own goal from Alex Moreno early in the second, secure Newcastle's triumph despite Ollie Watkins' consolation goal for Villa, who've won just one of their last five league matches.

The match commenced with Villa dictating play, pressing Newcastle deep, yet failing to breach their defense. Anthony Gordon threatened for Newcastle, denied twice by Emiliano Martinez's sharp saves.

It was Kieran Trippier's corner that unlocked the deadlock, as Schar capitalized on Ezri Konsa's lapse to slot home. Trippier's assist sees him level with Salah and Watkins for the Playmaker award.

Schar doubled his tally moments later, capitalizing on a rebound from Gordon's deflected strike, poking it past Martinez.

Newcastle's third came from an own goal by Alex Moreno, diverting Miguel Almiron's cross into his net early in the second half.

Villa rallied, with Watkins notching his 50th Premier League goal from Leon Bailey's delivery. Though Watkins thought he'd grabbed another, it was disallowed for offside.

Newcastle's Sean Longstaff was thwarted by Martinez, but the miss didn't dent Newcastle's victory, clinching only their second away win, elevating them to seventh with 32 points.

Villa, in fourth with 43 points, relinquish their 17-match unbeaten home streak, trailing leaders Liverpool by five points, having played an extra game.