Newcastle 5-1 Aston Villa
by Roger Domeneghetti
at St James’ Park

Despite the resounding chants of “We are top of the League” from the Newcastle fans as full time approached, it’s worth remembering that nothing is decided on the first day of the season.

Yet, on this evidence, St James’ Park will be an even more formidable destination this season than it was last, Newcastle even more formidable opponents.

A genuine cutting edge in front of goal has been added to a defence that was so resolute last season; a piercing stiletto added to knuckle dusters.

Debutant Sandro Tonali opened the scoring after just five minutes, while another debutant Harvey Barnes, on as a sub, grabbed the fifth in second-half stoppage time, the combined £93 million spent on them paying instant dividends. In between there was time for Alexander Isak to grab a brace and for Callum Wilson, also on as a sub, to open his account for the season.

“I thought he was magnificent for us,” said Howe of Tonali. “He’s an incredible technician, incredible with both feet. The goal helps it build confidence. He certainly looked at home in the midfield for us.”

At 3-1, the Newcastle boss was able to bring on Barnes and Wilson, who combined for the fourth goal, it signified a strength in depth Newcastle did not have last season. “We need the strongest bench we can get this year, with the amount of games that we’re going to have and competitions we’re in,” acknowledged Howe. “It was a difficult day yesterday to name the team. There weren’t easy decisions for me to make.”

Another debutant, Villa’s record signing Moussa Diaby, briefly gave the visitors hope, grabbing an equaliser after 10 minutes. However, the key moment for visitors came halfway through the first half, when Tyrone Mings went down clutching his right knee following an innocuous incident.

“The result is bad but losing Tyrone was worse,” said Villa boss Emery, who also lost Emi Buendia to a serious knee injury in midweek. “It doesn’t look good. It’s very sad for him and for us. The injuries have been very, very tough both for this game and the season.”

Mings’s injury seemed to define the game from then on. Villa, who have performed so well since Emery’s arrival in October last year simply fell apart after he was stretchered off. It was a bad defeat, but his injury, if as feared, will have far more serious repercussions.