The Holy Trinity: Aston Villa conclusions from dismal draw v Newcastle United

Premier League opener doesn't go to plan for Ezri Konsa, Unai Emery and Aston Villa

Some of the Premier League’s teams started by scoring goals and picking up big wins. Some endured an opening weekend in defeat and can at least lose their tempers about it.

Aston Villa had no such luck. They played badly at home against Newcastle United, had a player sent off without even the solace of controversy, settled for a 0-0 draw and kicked off the Premier League season in the most timid fashion imaginable.

Newcastle played well enough to say they were the better team but failed to take the presentable chances they had to claim a win none of us could have said was unwarranted on the balance of play.

Villa – and I hate to say this when they lose, never mind when they draw – were shit. Sometimes that’s the only way to summarise it.

Here’s your Holy Trinity of match conclusions.