24 July 2023 , 07:19
985
0
Eddie Howe and Unai Emery served up another goal feast at the Premier League Summer Series.
Six more goals were shared here - making it 18 in three games so far. United and Villa were well matched, as both side’s experimented. Villa scored early through Ollie Watkins after Emiliano Buendia bulldozed through from half way, after poor challenges from Sandro Tonali and Fab Schar.
Buendia then made it two with a low finish. before Elliot Anderson slotted home after Jacob Murphy’s pass. Anderson then turned provider for Alexander Isak to score the equaliser.
The best player on the pitch was Buendia who put Villa ahead just after half time. But sub Callum Wilson netted a tap in after Anthony Gordon’s shot was saved into his path. Here, Mirror Football looks at the biggest talking points from another chaotic clash.
Howe experiments with a new formation
The Toon played in an unusual shape, and initially the players looked uncomfortable. Howe is all about 4-3-3 and repetition, but this has a whiff of experimentation. There were three at the back, Paul Dummett, Fab Schar and Kieran Trippier as the defence.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
Matt Targett and Jacob Murphy pushed up on the wings, Sandro Tonali sat deep in midfield and Bruno Guimaraes pushed forward. But United were exposed down the left, with Dummett struggling and Targett so far advanced.
There were shrugs, and arm waving all round at the back, as Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Buendia scored in the first 11 minutes. But it’s good to have a Plan B, and this one settled down and could be developed with the best players.
Initially it nullified so much that is usually good about Newcastle, but they recovered well and had greater numbers in attack. One to watch as the club tackles the Champions League next season needing greater tactical flexibility and unpredictability.
Barnes makes a quick Toon debut
Harvey Barnes made his debut for Newcastle against Villa (Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)He only arrived in Newcastle’s pre-season camp 24 hours earlier, but the £38m new boy was fit enough to take his bow in black and white as a 69th minute sub.
Newcastle announced his signing from Leicester on Sunday morning and Barnes said it was an “attacker’s dream” to join such a talented group of players. Howe is blessed with many options on the left side - Joelinton, Joe Willock, Anthony Gordon and Barnes himself.
There is intense competition but Barnes got 13 goals in a relegated Leicester side last season, their top scorer, and is a statistical upgrade on Allan Saint-Maximin. The same goal return at Newcastle, or more, would represent a great start.
He looked the part here hugging the touchline and cutting inside, a curling shot late on almost producing a goal.
Tonali and Guimaraes double act will take time
Newcastle’s record signing from AC Milan, Tonali had a fine debut against Rangers last week. Here he played in a holding midfield role sitting deep and trying to dictate play. He had a difficult time with Villa looking powerful and robust, nicking the ball and driving forward.
The idea is for Tonali and star man of last season Guimaraes to forge a dominant ball playing partnership in central midfield. They were even seated next to each other on the long haul flight to United’s base in Atlanta to get to know each other.
Tonali’s arrival is likely to allow Guimaraes to play a more advanced creative role, but it’ll take time.
Everton chiefs face transfer backlash from fans after deadline day disaster
Anderson deserves a chance
Elliot Anderson scored once and assisted another for NewcastleNewcastle are spending big money but they’ve got a gem of a home grown talent on the books. The Whitley Bay lad is looking strong after fitness work this summer. He scored with a calm side foot finish, and made a goal for Alexander Isak in the first half.
Howe played him tucked in behind Isak on the left side and he was dangerous. If there’s a player to watch in the Toon ranks it is Anderson. Allan Saint-Maximin, soon to be sold to Saudi, watched this game at home and instagrammed a message: “Elliot Anderson… What a player…!”
He has a point. Anderson is raw, but has a Peter Beardsley-like trick and a turn of pace.
Body cam revolution hits Newcastle
Bruno Guimaraes wore a body-cam in the latest advance for football coverage. Newcastle want to be at the forefront of innovative broadcasting and the Brazilian volunteered to experiment with a chest based camera stitched into his shirt. The ref Lukasz Szpala was also rigged up.
Guimaraes trained with the camera in his shirt the day before this game and said it felt good with no restrictions, and it could become widespread if the Premier League, always looking for extra ways to add value to their TV rights, get their way.
New Villa talisman on horizon
Omari Kellyman appears set to become Aston Villa's next talismanEmiliano Buendia looks up for it, with tricks and pace and two goals. He had a low centre of gravity and packs a punch in the tackle and dribble.
But there was another eye-catcher in the Villa ranks - sub Kellyman. They nicked him from Derby County last season. He only signed his first pro contract when he turned 17, and had the physical attributes to make an impression.