Aston Villa extended their unbeaten run to five games with a 1-0 win at Newcastle United, secured by Johan Manzambi’s first-half header.
The Switzerland midfielder, who came close to joining Newcastle in the summer before choosing Villa Park, punished his former suitors in the 36th minute. He met Joao Gomes’ cross with a header that beat home goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek.
Aston Villa had chances to increase their lead before half-time. Emiliano Buendia’s effort struck the left post, with Hornicek unable to reach the shot.
Newcastle United failed to test visiting goalkeeper Zion Suzuki with a shot on target during a disappointing opening 45 minutes. Their supporters voiced their frustration by booing the team off at the interval.
Matthias Jaissle’s side responded more positively after the restart. Within the first 40 seconds of the second half, Harvey Barnes sent a curling cross narrowly wide as Newcastle sought an equaliser.
Sven Botman then came close with a powerful shot on the turn, but Suzuki produced an important save to preserve Villa’s advantage. Earlier in the match, Aston Villa had believed Botman should have been shown a red card for an over-the-ball challenge on Nicolas Jackson.
The result marks another step forward for Aston Villa after a difficult start to their Premier League campaign. They finished fourth last season but collected only one point from their first four league matches of 2026-27.
Since then, however, Unai Emery’s side have taken seven points from their past three league games, advanced in the Carabao Cup and recorded a 6-0 victory over Fenerbahce in the Champions League.
Their win at Newcastle United moves Aston Villa up to 12th in the Premier League. They are level with 11th-placed Newcastle United on points and sit immediately behind them only because of goals scored.
