First-half goals from Conor Hourihane and Anwar El Ghazi four minutes apart was the difference at Villa Park as Steve Bruce’s side remained 14th in the Premier League. Our Newcastle writer Miles Starforth has dished out his player ratings following the match. Scroll down and flick through our gallery to see who shone and struggled:
1. Martin Dubravka - 7
Tipped over a first-half shot from Luiz and denied Wesley after the break, not at fault Villa’s goals. 7 Photo: Stu Forster
2. DeAndre Yedlin - 5
His push on Grealish led to Villa’s first goal, struggled defensively. 5 Photo: Catherine Ivill
3. Federico Fernandez - 5
Conceded the free-kick for Villa’s second goal with a trip on Grealish, almost made amends with a header late in the first half. 5 Photo: Getty Images
4. Paul Dummett - 5
Recalled to the starting XI to replace the injured Lascelles, had an awkward night before making way for Carroll. 5 Photo: Mark Runnacles