'Villa should be ahead' Pundit delivers verdict after drab first half between Newcastle and Aston Villa

Steve Bruce’s side grew into the match as it wore on but registered just one shot on target in the opening 45 minutes following Matt Ricthie’s long-range effort in stoppage-time.

Villa created the better chances early in the game yet Trezeguet and Mbwana Samatta weren’t able to convert.

When discussing Trezeguet’s back-post effort BT Sport pundit Robbie Savage said: “Another 0-0 at half-time but Villa should be ahead, especially the first chance with Trezeguet.

“I said that (Christian) Pulisic scored for Chelsea from a similar position at Villa Park in the last game.

“He’s hit it into the ground, he’s just gotta try and put his laces through it, maybe the defender (Jamaal Lascelles) put him off.

“These are big, big chances for Villa.”