Newcastle on brink after goalless draw at Villa

Newcastle United’s Premier League fate is in the hands of bitter rivals Sunderland after they could only manage a goalless draw at relegated Aston Villa.

And with Sunderland coming back to beat Chelsea 3-2, it means that the Black Cats can relegate the Magpies if they win their next home game against Everton.

In truth, it was little more than the visitors deserved after mustering just three shots on target in a drab affair. Jack Colback should have put the visitors ahead just after the break instead of wastefully blazing over the bar and both substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic and Georginio Wijnaldum also went close.

Ultimately, however, Newcastle’s lack of cutting edge cost them dear against a side boasting the worst defence in the league and their fate is now out of their own hands.

Balloons, beach balls and inflatable animals halt proceedings: About the most exciting thing to happen in the match was the protests at the Villa hierarchy from the Villa fans, leading to six minutes of stoppage time.

Ashley Westwood (Aston Villa) One of the few players to show consistent heart and fight this season. Another industrious performance.

Aston Villa: Bunn 7, Clark 7, Lescott 7, Toner 6, Hutton 6, Bacuna 6, Gueye 6, Sanchez 6, Westwood 8, Ayew 6, Sinclair 6. SUBS: Hepburn-Murphy 6.

Newcastle United: Darlow 6, Anita 6, Mbemba 6, Lascelles 6, Dummett 6, Tiote 6, Colback 6, Townsend 7, Sissoko 7, Wijnaldum 6, Cisse 6. SUBS: Mitrovic 6, Perez 6, de Jong 6.

46’ – CHANCE! Townsend’s cross deflects straight into the path of Colback but he blasts over from a few yards out.

60’ – CHANCE! Tiote lobs in a great ball behind the Villa defence but Mitrovic wastefully hoists over the bar.

70’ – SAVE! Townsend sets Wijnaldumbut Bunn saves ow to his right and Villa clear.

Aston Villa end their joint-club league record of 11 consecutive defeats (also 11 between March-May 1963). They win their first PL points since a 2-0 home win over Norwich City on 6 February.