Villa started life without Jack Grealish away to Watford on Saturday, and it was a disappointing result for Dean Smith’s side, who were three goals behind to the home side in the 67th minute of the contest.
John McGinn and Danny Ings scored for Villa in the final 20 minutes, but the latter’s penalty came in the seventh minute of additional time, meaning it was a case of too little, too late in terms of a recovery.
Defensively, it was a poor display from Smith’s side, but there were positives in the final third of the field, particularly the display of new signing Leon Bailey, who impressed off the bench, and the club’s supporters will be looking forward to seeing the new arrivals at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.
Villa have a busy end to the month, as they will take on Barrow in the EFL Cup on August 24 before hosting Brentford in the Premier League on August 28; September then starts with a trip to Chelsea, while Everton and Manchester United will also be opponents in the league next month.
Smith’s side, who finished 11th in the Premier League last term, struggled for consistency at home last season, picking up just 25 points from their 19 matches, but they recorded a 2-0 victory over Newcastle in the corresponding match during the 2020-21 campaign.
Newcastle, as mentioned, also made a disappointing start to their new season, suffering a 4-2 defeat to West Ham in front of their own supporters on Sunday afternoon.
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The Magpies led 1-0 and 2-1 at St James’ Park, but West Ham then scored three unanswered goals in the second period to pick up an impressive three points, and there will be pressure on head coach Steve Bruce this weekend despite the fact that the season has only just started.
Newcastle have spent heavily on Joe Willock this summer, and it remains to be seen whether the club are able to make any more new signings before the window slams shut.
The Magpies, like Villa, will also be in EFL Cup action next week, taking on Burnley at home, before ending the month of August with a home match against Southampton; September then begins with a trip to a Manchester United side that look capable of challenging for this season’s Premier League title.
