Kieran Trippier’s deflected free-kick earned Newcastle United a 1-0 home win over Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday to continue their revival under manager Eddie Howe.
The win moved 17th-placed Newcastle four points clear of the relegation zone, with 21 points from 23 games.
Villa is six points ahead in 11th.
Newcastle had a penalty overturned by VAR in the 33rd minute when a Calum Chambers foul on Joe Willock was deemed to have taken place outside the box, but Trippier blasted the free-kick through the Villa wall to give the hosts a deserved lead.
The right-back, who also scored with a direct free-kick against Everton this week, was a little fortunate as his effort took a deflection off Emiliano Buendia before flying past Emiliano Martinez.
The goal proved to be Trippier’s last major contribution as the England international was forced to make way for Emil Krafth in the 48th minute due to a foot injury.
Howe told reporters the 31-year-old had gone to the hospital for scans.
Villa showed more adventure after the interval and Ollie Watkins had the ball in the net with a reaction header just after the hour-mark, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside following another VAR check.
Clear goal-scoring opportunities, however, were in limited supply for both sides as Newcastle completed the job with a tidy defensive display to notch up their third straight league victory.
“Three more points feels good from where we have come.
But even in this good moment, we are very calm but very pleased,” said Howe.
“We didn’t give up too many chances to Aston Villa.
It was a tight game and in weeks gone by we wouldn’t have won this game.
There is still a heck of a long way to go.
”
Villa manager Steven Gerrard bemoaned his side’s poor performance.
“We were honest with the players at halftime and we got a bit of a reaction but I’ve got no complaints with the result.
I believe you make your own luck away from home and we were nowhere near it today,” said Gerrard.
“I expect more from this team collectively and individually.
We feel frustrated and disappointed.
”
SuperSport/Nnenna.
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Trippier freekick gives Newcastle narrow win over Villa