Aston Villa player ratings as FA Cup quest ends in defeat to Newcastle United

Premier League opposition condemn ten-man Villa to an FA Cup exit in the fourth round

Aston Villa’s FA Cup campaign came to a disappointing end as they lost first a man, then their lead, at home to Newcastle United.

Tammy Abraham’s first goal of his second spell got Villa off to the perfect start as he finished well on the turn from Douglas Luiz’s clever free kick. VAR might have ruled it out for offside. Oh well.

Later in the half, Lucas Digne may well have seen red if VAR was operating after a nasty late tackle on Jacob Murphy. Oh well.

A good first half was ruined on the stroke of half time when Marco Bizot was dismissed for a reckless, dangerous tackle that also denied a goal scoring opportunity.

Villa defended manfully without carrying any real threat for 20 minutes, and Newcastle were again incensed when Digne appeared to handle inside the box. Oh we… they equalised from the resulting free kick.

And in reality, with that equaliser, Villa’s race was run. Sandro Tonali doubled his and his side’s tally with a fine finish, and despite some late pressure, a bit of faffing around at the back saw Nick Woltemade pounce to put the result beyond doubt.

Here are the ratings:

Marco Bizot - 2

Had nothing to do for 45 minutes before what one might generously call a ‘rush of blood to the head’ on the stroke of half time. He raced to halfway and wiped out Jacob Murphy as Newcastle broke. A costly, game-changing mistake.

Lamare Bogarde - 4

Played at right back and coped well with Harvey Barnes but offered limit support going forward. Overrun along with the rest of the team in the second half, and gave the ball away cheaply for Newcastle’s third goal.

Victor Lindelöf - 5

Getting better in possession all the time while remaining defensively solid. Not directly at fault for any goals and did well to block Anthony Gordon’s goalbound effort, but much like the rest of the side it was a passive performance in the second half.

Pau Torres - 5

Progressed the ball well and was fairly untroubled during the first half. Very little he could do as Villa collapsed after half time.

Lucas Digne - 3

Could have seen red. Could have given away a penalty. Somehow did neither. Not his best afternoon.

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Douglas Luiz - 6

Clever free kick to create Abraham’s goal, and almost repeated the trick later in the half to put Leon Bailey in. Struggled to cope with Newcastle’s extra man as Villa ceded first territory and then their lead in the second period.

Amadou Onana - 7

An excellent first half, regularly breaking up possession and using those long legs to progress the ball forward. One of the few to impress in the second period, as he was able to do much of the same but to less positive effect.

Morgan Rogers - 6

A key part of Villa’s impressive first half, finding space to turn and drive up the field. Much like the rest of the team, he couldn’t get into the game in the second half.

Leon Bailey - 4

Flashed early and looked like he could be in for an influential afternoon but Bailey was predictable and hesitant, and wasted opportunities to impose himself on the game. His poor ball set Newcastle away for the break which saw Bizot dismissed.

Ross Barkley - 6

Impressed during his first start for over a year, pressing well and leading Villa forward with the ball. Tired as the game progressed and was withdrawn with half an hour to go.

Tammy Abraham - 7

Smart finish from an offside position to give his side the lead and provided a real focal point in the first half as Villa were on top. Isolated with ten men in the second half before being substituted.

Substitutes

Emiliano Martínez (for Bailey, 45+4) - Perhaps could have done better than his punch from the free kick that led to Tonali’s equaliser but was wrong-footed by the subsequent deflection and given no chance with the two later goals. 5

Ollie Watkins (for Abraham, 65) - Tried to provide an outlet and was unlucky to be penalised for a foul on Kieran Trippier when he looked to be away. 5

Emi Buendía (for Barkley, 65) - Busy without offering any real impact.. 5

Ian Maatsen (for Rogers, 77) - Late substitute. N/A

Jadon Sancho (for Luiz, 78) - Late substitute. N/A