Schar, the Switzerland defender, scored both goals with excellent close range finishes as Villa faltered to their first league home loss of the year. Ollie Watkins scored a goal to cut Newcastle's lead to three goals after Alex Moreno made an own goal. Watkins was called offside after getting the ball in the net a second time.
Villa was left to lament the missed opportunity to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool and hold onto fourth place, five points behind the Reds despite having played one more game. The Villa team came into this game having won 28 of a possible 30 points at home, thus the Magpies performed with more style and were deserving winners. With his deft moves and cunning, Anthony Gordon in particular led their attacking play with elegance and flair, regularly outwitting the Villa defenders.