Decent effort, Dwight Gayle with an improvised overhead kick after a corner is played back in. It's wide but a good try.

Steve Bruce turns away in disgust at a misplaced pass. I listened in to his post-match news conference the other day and it wasn't too comfortable. Could be the same again tonight.

Chris Waddle
Ex-Newcastle and England winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

Villa are full of confidence and are good on the eye. This is a club on the up - Dean Smith has done a fantastic job.

A final change sees Villa skipper Jack Grealish come off with Jacob Ramsey on in his place. Another spot-on display.

The second half has seen just one shot on target between the two sides - Watkins in the 48th minute

Image source, Getty Images

Another lovely run out of pressure form Jack Grealish, nobody can get near him and he finds Ollie Watkins, running away from goal rather, he goes down but there's no real appeal. Shoulder to shoulder job.

Chris Waddle
Ex-Newcastle and England winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

If the fans had their way, I'm sure they would say they want Steve Bruce out now. But Mike Ashley is a patient man and as long as he sees a future in the Premier League, and there's no risk to that, I don't think Steve Bruce has got a problem.

Emi Martinez hasn't had to make a save since the fourth minute.

Villa are feeling the burn a bit and make a couple of changes. Ross Barkley and Bertrand Traore come off and Trezeguet and Anwar el Ghazi come on.

Newcastle also send on Dwight Gayle for Miguel Almiron.

It's end to end stuff now. Ryan Fraser has made a big difference.

Image source, Getty Images

Chris Waddle
Ex-Newcastle and England winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

The game is getting stretched, Villa are a bit off the pace and Ryan Fraser has brought a bit of energy. You can see the confidence with him coming on in the Newcastle players.

Almost another wonderful counter by Villa as Jack Grealish, Bertrand Traore and Ross Barkley all link up as they sweep upfield but for once the final pass from Grealish is overhit.

Alistair Magowan
BBC Sport at Villa Park

Looks like Newcastle are playing a 4-4-1-1 with Ryan Fraser and Allan Saint-Maximin adding midfield width, with Miguel Almiron supporting Callum Wilson.

Attacking for sure, but it will leave Newcastle open at the back.

Could be an entertaining last 20 minutes now as Villa come away, into space down their left and Jack Grealish hits a curling shot just wide.

Straight away there's more intent from Newcastle as Miguel Almiron forces a mistake on the halfway line and Ryan Fraser sends him away in behind. He finds Fraser, inside the area, and his shot is blocked by Ezri Konsa.

Much better.

Chris Waddle
Ex-Newcastle and England winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

Andy Carroll yet again put a shift in, but didn't get the service. I hope Allan Saint Maximin and Ryan Fraser play high and we see a back four.

STEVE MAKES A CHANGE.

On come Ryan Fraser and Allan Saint-Maximin, they replace Andy Carroll and Javier Manquillo.

Postpublished at 70 mins

70 mins

Aston Villa 2-0 Newcastle

Not content with that crunching tackle a few minutes ago Matt Targett now whallops a clearance into the face of Javier Manquillo.