Alan Shearer delivers 'lucky' verdict as Aston Villa put Newcastle United in their place
Latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive as Newcastle United's seven-game winning run came to an end on Saturday evening
Alan Shearer says Newcastle United were perhaps lucky to only let in four goals in their defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday evening.
The Magpies arrived at Villa Park riding high on a seven-match winning streak to put them in a strong position for Champions League qualification next season.
But Villa too have eyes on taking their place at European football's top table again after impressing this season, and they soon showed the visitors why, Ollie Watkins scoring within the first minute to put the hosts ahead.
Fabian Schar, who was perhaps fortunate to still be on the pitch after a risky tackle on Watkins, managed to equalise shortly afterwards. But Unai Emery's team maintained control of the match and made it count - and then some - after the break.
In just 11 minutes of the second half, the scoreline went from 1-1 to a 4-1 lead for Villa, thanks to goals from Ian Maatsen, an own goal by Dan Burn, and Andre Onana.
Given their recent form, assistant Newcastle head coach Jason Tindall, who is standing in for Eddie Howe while he recovers from pneumonia, emphasised the importance of staying focused.
"It is so important to stay calm and cool and we will do. We have experience of this last time out," he confessed during his post-match press conference.
"We stayed calm and knew what we had to do. The players are aware of that. We were under no illusions. Coming here today was always going to be tough. Our record here at Villa Park today suggests that.
"They are a top side with a top manager it was going to be a tough challenge. Certainly on the back of the week we've had. We will remain calm and focused."
And pundit and Newcastle fan Shearer also emphasised the importance of not overreacting to a heavy loss against a rival for European places.
"Well done Villa," he praised on X. "Much the better team today. Scored 4 and should have been a lot more. Bad day at the office for the Toon."
Villa are next in action on Tuesday (8pm) when they go to another Champions Leaguer qualification rival in champions Manchester City.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have a week to rest up before hosting lowly Ipswich Town at St James' Park next Saturday (3pm).
Claret & Blue verdict
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Aston Villa is marking its 150th anniversary with the launch of a new merch collection including shirts, hoodies, books, mugs and scarves.
Top items include the Anniversary Shirt, Anniversary Hoodie and Anniversary Polo Shirt, plus the 150 Years picture books Volume One and Volume Two.