Aston Villa secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday, with Johan Manzambi scoring the decisive goal at St James’ Park.
Manzambi found the net in the 36th minute to earn Unai Emery’s side all three points, handing Newcastle their second consecutive league defeat.
The midfielder headed home a cross from João Gomes after Villa had gradually gained control of an entertaining first half.
Newcastle goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček got a touch on the effort but could not prevent the ball from crossing the line.
Villa had threatened earlier through Nicolas Jackson, who was denied by Horníček, while Emiliano Buendía struck the post shortly after the visitors took the lead.
Newcastle, who were looking to recover from their disappointing 4-1 defeat to Coventry, struggled to turn their possession into clear-cut opportunities before the break.
The hosts increased the pressure after the restart, with Sven Botman coming close to an equaliser. His powerful effort was brilliantly saved by Zion Suzuki as Villa maintained their advantage.
Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle introduced Bazoumana Touré and Will Osula in the 56th minute in an attempt to inject fresh energy into the attack.
Yoane Wissa also threatened, heading over the crossbar from Lewis Miley’s delivery, while Osula had opportunities to trouble the Villa defence as the hosts searched for a way back into the contest.
Despite Newcastle enjoying more possession in the second half, Villa remained dangerous on the counter-attack.
Substitute Ross Barkley came close to extending the visitors’ lead but was denied by Horníček.
Newcastle continued to push for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Wissa fired wide before Osula headed another opportunity over the bar.
Villa also had chances to put the result beyond doubt, with Ibrahim Mbaye sending an effort narrowly wide late in the game.
The visitors held on to claim their first victory over Newcastle in the encounter, moving up to 12th in the Premier League standings.
For Newcastle, the defeat extended their difficult run of results, leaving them to reflect on another disappointing league performance.
