FA Cup news: Aston Villa exit tournament after 3-1 home loss to Newcastle as Sandro Tonali runs riot
Aston Villa’s FA Cup run came to an abrupt end as Newcastle United fought back to win 3-1 at Villa Park in the fourth round on Saturday.
It was a dramatic tie that swung wildly in Newcastle’s favour thanks to a first-half sending off for home goalkeeper Marco Bizot, with Sandro Tonali also putting in a commanding display.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Harrison Pearce reflects on whether the result is a blessing in disguise for Aston Villa.
Early lead for Villa
Villa seemed set to take control when Tammy Abraham put the hosts ahead in the 14th minute with a clever finish from a free-kick situation.
The goal sparked celebrations amongst the home supporters and suggested Unai Emery’s side might progress in front of their fans.
However, the match’s complexion changed just before half-time when stopper Bizot was shown a straight red card for a foul on Jacob Murphy in stoppage time.
With Villa reduced to 10 men for the entire second half, Newcastle sensed a lifeline and began to take control.
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Tonali’s second-half surge
Newcastle’s comeback was spearheaded by midfielder Tonali, whose two goals were struck with precision and power to turn the game on its head.
Tonali first levelled just after the hour mark and then put the Magpies ahead in the 76th minute with a stunning second strike.
His performance was the driving force behind Newcastle’s progress into the fifth round.
The visitors made sure of the win in the closing stages when Nick Woltemade added a third goal in the 88th minute, capitalising on Villa’s continued numerical disadvantage and lapses in defensive concentration to seal a well-deserved victory.
Newcastle will now carry this momentum forward after a stirring comeback win.
For Aston Villa, the defeat ends their cup aspirations this season and shifts the focus solely back to their Premier League campaign and the Europa League.
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