Aston Villa player ratings vs Newcastle: Manzambi and Buendía lead the way in away win

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Johan Manzambi and Emiliano Buendía lead our Aston Villa player ratings after Unai Emery’s side beat Newcastle United 1-0 at St James’ Park.

Manzambi headed in João Gomes’ cross after 36 minutes, while Buendía almost extended the advantage with an effort that struck the post.

Villa needed a second-half save from Zion Suzuki to preserve their lead, but Newcastle managed just one shot on target from 16 attempts. The visitors registered three efforts on target and three big chances.

Here is how we rated the players from Villa’s confirmed starting XI and their substitutes.

How we rate: marks are out of 10, based on match statistics and reported action.

Aston Villa player ratings: goalkeeper and defence

Zion Suzuki – 7

Only one save to make, but it mattered. Denied Sven Botman early in the second half when an equaliser could have changed the direction of the contest.

Matty Cash – 7

Offered an attacking threat with a first-half effort into the side-netting. Shares credit for a defensive performance that kept Newcastle’s pressure from becoming a succession of clear opportunities.

Victor Lindelöf – 7

A clean sheet alongside Mings and relatively little work for the goalkeeper behind them. Newcastle’s shot count looked threatening, but the quality of their finishing rarely matched it.

Tyrone Mings – 7

Captained Villa to an important away clean sheet. Wissa’s late opportunities prevent this being described as an entirely comfortable evening, but the central defensive partnership ultimately held out.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6.5

Started at left-back and contributed to Villa keeping their advantage intact. Replaced by Pau Torres after 77 minutes, with the closing stages still requiring defensive concentration.

Midfield and attack

Boubacar Kamara – 7

His block to deny Wissa’s acrobatic effort was an important contribution as Newcastle pushed for an equaliser. A useful reminder of the defensive work behind Villa’s narrow victory.

João Gomes – 7

Supplied the decisive cross for Manzambi’s header. Booked before the goal, but his assist proved the difference between the sides. Replaced during Emery’s triple change after 72 minutes.

Alysson – 6

A shorter evening than the other attacking starters. Booked in the first half and replaced by John McGinn at the interval, leaving him with limited time to influence the result.

Johan Manzambi – 7.5 — Player of the match

Timed his arrival to meet Gomes’ delivery and supplied the finish that settled the game. After Newcastle’s summer interest in signing him, this was a particularly significant contribution on Tyneside.

Emiliano Buendía – 7.5

Came closest to giving Villa breathing space when Horníček pushed his effort onto the post. His threat helped ensure Newcastle could not concentrate solely on chasing the equaliser.

Nicolas Jackson – 6.5

Offered a threat on the counterattack and found opportunities before the break, but failed to convert them. Useful in stretching Newcastle, although a sharper finish would have made Villa’s task easier.

Aston Villa substitute ratings

John McGinn – 6

Replaced Alysson at half-time and played the entire second period. A supporting contribution as Villa protected their lead, without providing a decisive attacking moment.

Ross Barkley – 6.5

Made a quick impression after coming on, forcing Horníček into a save with a shot that threatened to settle the contest.

Ibrahim Mbaye – 6.5

Provided a fresh attacking threat and went close late on. Gave Newcastle another player to contend with as the hosts committed themselves to finding an equaliser.

Leon Goretzka – 6

Introduced after 72 minutes to refresh the midfield. A limited spell in which Villa retained their narrow advantage, rather than an appearance defined by a standout incident.

Pau Torres – 6

Replaced Wan-Bissaka for the final stages and helped see out the clean sheet. Had less time than the starting defenders to influence the overall performance.

Match details: Newcastle United’s official match report.

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