Manzambi haunts Newcastle with header to hand Aston Villa 1-0 win at St James' Park

Johan Manzambi scored the only goal as Aston Villa beat Newcastle 1-0 at St James’ Park on Saturday, with the winger heading home in the 36th minute to hand Unai Emery’s side a result that lifts them into 12th in the Premier League table. The result is particularly pointed for Newcastle, who had been tracking Manzambi over the summer before Villa moved decisively to sign him.

The goal came from a well-worked move: Joao Gomes edged towards the box and curled a cross to the back post, where Manzambi nodded past Lukas Hornicek despite the goalkeeper getting a fingertip to the ball. It was Manzambi’s second Premier League goal of the season.

The first half was an end-to-end affair punctuated by bookings on both sides. Sven Botman and Joelinton were cautioned for heavy challenges, with Botman’s foul checked by VAR for a possible red card before the original yellow was upheld. Villa’s Gomes and Alysson — making his first start for the club — were also booked in quick succession. Emiliano Buendia struck the post late in the half as Villa threatened to extend their lead.

Newcastle, who had suffered a 4-1 loss to Coventry in the League Cup on Monday, made one change to their starting line-up, with Joelinton returning to captain the side on his first start of the season. Emery, by contrast, rotated heavily after Villa’s midweek Champions League win over Fenerbahce, making four changes.

The hosts pressed hard after the break. Botman’s vicious shot was brilliantly clawed away by goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, and Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle turned to his bench in the 56th minute, introducing Bazoumana Toure and Will Osula. Yoane Wissa, who had flicked an attempt over the bar in the first half, nodded over from a Lewis Miley cross as the Magpies searched for an equaliser that never came.

The defeat leaves Newcastle with consecutive league losses and questions to answer about their form, while Villa’s win continues a steady rebuild under Emery.