Aston Villa stayed in the Premier League title picture with a 2-0 win at Newcastle United, responding strongly after defeat to Everton. Emiliano Buendia and Ollie Watkins scored, while Emiliano Martinez
kept a clean sheet in Villa’s first away league victory at St James’ Park in 18 attempts.
The result moved Aston Villa level on points with second-place Manchester City and kept the gap to leaders Arsenal at four points. Arsenal lost to Manchester United, so the win carried extra weight for the visitors, who had briefly lost momentum in the title race the previous weekend.
Newcastle United created more chances across the match, but could not convert. Aston Villa stayed composed, defended deep when needed, and scored at important moments in each half. The visitors also led away at half-time in a Premier League fixture for the first time this season, becoming the 18th club to do that in the 2025-26 campaign.
The victory ended a long run without success for Aston Villa at Newcastle United, after 17 league visits without a win, including six draws and 11 defeats. It was also Martinez’s 200th Premier League appearance for Aston Villa. The club now have 16 clean sheets against Newcastle in the competition, with only Everton having faced more shutouts from Villa, on 25.
Unai Emery highlighted the squad’s mindset and work rate after such a difficult recent schedule, including European duty. Emery stressed the level required at St James’ Park, noting the pressure that home crowds can apply, yet felt Aston Villa stayed organised and loyal to the tactical plan throughout both halves.
"I am so, so happy. The players were extraordinary," Emery told BBC Match of the Day. "We spoke about this match and the difficulties some teams have with their level here. It is the highest level we can face this season, and the players respond fantastic. The commitment to the fans, being so disciplined individually and collectively, got us through it. We can only help the players tactically. Out on the field, they need to show the attitude and commitment to work to the game plan, and they did it. Emiliano Martinez played a fantastic match. He focused on the match and his character, skills and commitment because we need every player. Really fantastic. Last week we lost and were so disappointed, but we can be calm again and have confidence. We were comfortable in what we were doing. "
Aston Villa Premier League win shaped by Martinez and Buendia
Martinez’s influence was central as Newcastle United produced 15 shots and generated 2.3 expected goals without scoring. Martinez made four saves and commanded the penalty area with authority, providing calm for the Aston Villa defence against sustained pressure, especially during the second half when Newcastle pushed harder.
"We needed the goalkeeper today," Emery added to Sky Sports. "It is extraordinary how he has his own challenge and how we needed him to feel strong defensively. He was fantastic. We did a complete match. "
Buendia’s 19th-minute strike changed the tone. Aston Villa took control after that goal, managed the tempo, and limited Newcastle United’s clear openings until Watkins added the second after the break. Scoring first allowed Aston Villa to protect space, choose their pressing moments, and draw Newcastle into areas that suited Villa’s defensive shape.
Buendia underlined the importance of maintaining rhythm across a demanding programme that includes the Europa League and the domestic chase. "It's a tough schedule for us, but it is what we want to do, play in European competitions and fight for these places in the Premier League, so we have to adapt, fight, and play and recover and go again," he told BBC Match of the Day. "I am really proud of this team. We made a huge effort on Thursday [against Fenerbahce in the Europa League], and again today. We have to look to be there and fight until the end. We know what we want to achieve, fighting for the Champions League spots. To score is always a nice feeling, but the main thing is to help the team. To open the game with that kind of goal helps the momentum of the game turn in our favour. I am really happy, and we deserved the three points. "
This performance keeps Aston Villa close to Manchester City and within reach of Arsenal, while also reinforcing belief after the setback against Everton. With league ambitions and European commitments running together, the response at Newcastle United showed a squad able to manage pressure, protect leads and stay aligned with Emery’s demands.
