Manzambi Winner Gives Emery Landmark Victory

Johan Manzambi scored the only goal as Aston Villa beat Newcastle United 1-0 at St James’ Park, extending their unbeaten run to five matches and securing Unai Emery’s 100th Premier League victory.

The Switzerland midfielder, who came close to joining Newcastle during the summer, headed in Joao Gomes’ cross after 36 minutes to continue Villa’s recovery from a difficult start to the season.

Emiliano Buendia almost added a second before half-time, striking the left post with goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek beaten.

Newcastle failed to muster a shot on target during a disappointing opening half and were booed off by their supporters at the interval.

Matthias Jaissle’s side improved after the restart.

Harvey Barnes curled a dangerous delivery narrowly wide within 40 seconds, while Sven Botman forced Zion Suzuki into a sharp save with a powerful shot on the turn.

Yoane Wissa also headed over and dragged another effort wide, but Newcastle could not find an equaliser.

Villa climbed to 12th, trailing 11th-placed Newcastle only on goals scored.

After collecting just one point from their opening four league fixtures, Emery’s team have taken seven from their past three, alongside progress in the Carabao Cup and a 6-0 Champions League win over Fenerbahce.

Newcastle suffer another setback

Defeat completed a difficult week for Newcastle following their 4-1 loss at newly promoted Coventry City on Monday.

Jaissle had called for a response, but his players struggled to trouble Villa before the break and were fortunate not to fall further behind.

They also survived a contentious moment when Botman caught Nicolas Jackson on the ankle with a challenge that went over the ball.

Referee Jarred Gillett showed the defender a yellow card.

Video assistant referee Stuart Attwell reviewed the incident for dangerous play, but the punishment remained unchanged.

Jackson said afterwards that the tackle had almost broken his leg, although he confirmed he was unhurt.

Botman was among six Newcastle players booked, along with Joelinton, who captained the club for the first time in a Premier League match.

The hosts showed more urgency in the second half, with Botman coming closest to levelling after his goal against Coventry earlier in the week.

Suzuki’s save, however, ensured Newcastle finished with just one attempt on target.

Further boos greeted the final whistle as Jaissle suffered his first home defeat in charge.

It was Newcastle’s first loss at St James’ Park since Bournemouth won 2-1 there on 18 April.

Villa’s revival gathers momentum

Villa delivered a deserved milestone victory for Emery despite having two fewer days to prepare following their Champions League involvement on Wednesday.

Club captain John McGinn began a league match on the bench for the first time this season, entering at half-time after his team had already established control.

Alongside Manzambi’s goal and Buendia’s effort against the post, Jackson forced Hornicek into a save, while Matty Cash later struck the side-netting.

Manzambi, who turned 21 on Wednesday, now has three goals for Villa since arriving from Freiburg in a club-record transfer worth just over £50m.

The visitors continued to create chances after the interval.

Substitute Ross Barkley was denied by a fine Hornicek save, and Ibrahim Mbaye shot wide after an impressive run.

Although a second goal eluded them, Villa’s disciplined defending limited Newcastle’s threat and ensured they returned from the north east with all three points.