Joao Gomes in action for Aston Villa Football Club and Unai Emery pitchside at Villa Park

Joao Gomes and Unai EmeryImago

Aston Villa player ratings vs Newcastle: Joao Gomes sensational, 5/10 left out to dry by Unai Emery

Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at the Northern Echo and Durham Cricket Club; Teesside University graduate. FOCUS Long-form opinion and deep-dive content across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Jacob utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, analytical reporting. He provides in-depth opinion and insight to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and into the detail.

Published on:

17 Oct 2026, 6:16 pm

Aston Villa managed to secure a huge 1-0 win over Newcastle United on the road this Saturday.

The Villans didn't have the best start to the Premier League season, to say the least, but have been turning their fortunes around in recent weeks.

Unai Emery named two changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Brentford last time out in the league as Alysson and Aaron Wan-Bissaka came in for Matteo Ruggeri and John McGinn.

Johan Manzambi scored the opener for the visitors, heading home after Joao Gomes' cross before the break.

Ross Barkley came close to doubling Villa's lead in the second 45, as they used attack as their best form of defence in moments.

However, Aston Villa managed to hold out in the final minutes and will take a big three points back to B6.

Joao Gomes was on top form vs Newcastle

Gomes had a nightmare start for Villa after joining from Wolves in the summer, but is doing his best to turn heads in B6.

The Brazilian midfielder put the ball on the plate for Manzambi's all-important goal, but it was also his overall game that impressed.

The 25-year-old had a passing accuracy of 88 per cent in the game, only misplacing a total of four passes, completing three out of four long passes.

He won three ground duels, making five defensive contributions in total, including two tackles, two recoveries and one block.

Gomes covered 5.4 miles of grass, earning a FotMob score of 7.3 for his 72-minute shift, before being replaced by Leon Goretzka.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka exposed Aston Villa's nightmare issue vs Newcastle

Aston Villa's nightmare left-back situation only got worse after Wan-Bissaka came off injured, despite being shoehorned into the position.

Ian Maatsen and Ruggeri are currently out injured, and the former West Ham star was placed out of position by Emery to cover until Pau Torres came on in his place.

The 28-year-old had a zero per cent aerial duel win rate, and the same can be said for his long ball and cross attempts.

The full-back made just four defensive contributions, including one tackle, block, clearance and interception.

Newcastle used 41 per cent of attacks down Villa's left-hand side, which was the zone for the majority of their forward chances.

Wan-Bissaka deserves credit for putting in a shift and contributing to the clean sheet, but he looked every bit of a player playing out of their natural position.

Though Emery can't do much about the situation, he certainly put the defender under pressure at St. James' Park.