Johan Manzambi scored the only goal as Aston Villa secured a 1-0 Premier League win at Newcastle United on Saturday 17 October. The victory at St James' Park moves Unai Emery's side up to 12th in the table with eight points from seven games, a record of two wins, two draws and three losses. They have scored seven goals and conceded eleven this season.
Manzambi headed home from a João Gomes cross in the 36th minute, a goal that proved decisive. The forward, who now has two goals in four appearances this season and is the club's top scorer, was quick to credit his teammates. "I'm happy to score and help the team win," Manzambi said.
Villa set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and edged possession with 51%. They created 15 shots, with three on target, and defended their lead with organisation after the break. Newcastle goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček made a vital save shortly after the goal to push an Emiliano Buendía strike onto the post, but the hosts struggled for creativity throughout.
João Gomes provided the assist for the winner but was also booked early on. Emery made six changes in the second half, introducing John McGinn, Leon Goretzka and Ross Barkley to see out the result. The win extends Villa's recent strong form to four wins and a draw from their last five matches across all competitions, a run that includes a 6-0 victory over Fenerbahçe and a 3-1 win at Sevilla.
This result follows that 6-0 Champions League thrashing of Fenerbahçe and builds momentum ahead of a tough fixtures run. Villa's next challenge is a home match against league leaders Manchester City on Saturday 24 October.
Unai Emery said the 1-0 win at Newcastle was "very important" after Villa's poor league start. The manager told reporters on Monday, "It was a tough match but we set a high standard." The victory is Villa's fourth in their last five games across all competitions, a run of form that includes a 6-0 Champions League win over Fenerbahçe. They remain 12th in the Premier League with eight points from seven games.
Aston Villa confirmed the fee paid for Johan Manzambi was a club record. The club stated the summer move from Freiburg cost over £50 million. Villa's recent strong form now stands at four wins and a draw from their last five matches across all competitions. Unai Emery said, "It was a tough match but it was very important to win after our poor start." The side remains 12th in the Premier League with eight points from seven games.
