Newcastle started the new season with £52million midfielder Sandro Tonali straight into the starting XI with fellow summer signings Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento on the bench. And it proved to be an inspired decision from Eddie Howe as the Italian midfielder found the net just six minutes into his Premier League debut, sliding the ball home from Anthony Gordon’s cross.
Villa quickly drew level after 11 minutes as another Premier League debutant Moussa Diaby turned in on the volley from close range.
But the frantic started to the game continued as Newcastle were back in front by the 16 minute mark as a well-worked free-kick routine was eventually turned in by Alexander Isak.
After playing out a 3-3 thriller in the Premier League Summer Series last month, we have another game on our hands.
Here are our half-time player ratings from the match so far...
5. Dan Burn - 7
Had his work cut out with Moussa Diaby and Villa’s pace on the counter but dealt with things reasonably well. | Getty Images
6. Bruno Guimaraes - 7
Saw a good 20-yard effort saved in the build-up to Newcastle’s opener. Played some good passes to keep the hosts on the front foot but was caught out by some sloppy decision making on occasions. Booked. | Getty Images
7. Sandro Tonali - 9
Got his Newcastle career off to a perfect start with a goal in the opening six minutes. Could have doubled United’s lead shortly after but was denied by Emi Martinez. Put an excellent ball into the box for the second goal and released Barnes for the fourth. His quality and work-rate have shone through in a world class debut. Booked. | Getty Images
8. Joelinton - 7
Got dragged away from Diaby slightly for Villa’s first goal. Not his best game in possession but won his battles. | Getty Images