PL: Johan Manzambi goal gives Aston Villa victory at Newcastle

Aston Villa continued their recent revival and stretched their unbeaten run to five games thanks to Johan Manzambi's winning goal to defeat Newcastle United.

Switzerland midfielder Manzambi came close to joining the Magpies in the summer before moving to Villa Park instead, and showed Newcastle what they were missing when he headed in Joao Gomes' cross in the 36th minute.

Emiliano Buendia nearly doubled Villa's advantage but saw his strike bounce off the left post, with Lukas Hornicek well beaten.

Newcastle failed to register a shot on target in the first half, with the home fans booing them off at the break.

But Matthias Jaissle's side made an instant improvement, with Harvey Barnes curling an inviting cross just wide inside the opening 40 seconds of the second half.

Sven Botman, who Villa thought should have been sent off for an over-the-ball challenge on Nicolas Jackson earlier on, hit a well-struck shot on the turn with away goalkeeper Zion Suzuki making a good save.

Villa came fourth in the Premier League last season, but only picked up one point from their opening four league games of 2026-27.

But they have now picked up seven points from their past three games, progressed in the Carabao Cup and recorded a 6-0 thrashing of Fenerbahce in the Champions League.

This victory takes Villa 12th, only behind 11th-placed Newcastle on goals scored.