Sports Direct Arena
Barclays Premier League
(Attendance: 48,245)
Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 1
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
At the Sports Direct Arena
Newcastle United 1 (Ben Arfa 60)
Aston Villa 1 (Clark 22)
A Hatem Ben Arfa wonderstrike helped Newcastle United secure a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at the Sports Direct Arena on Sunday.
The Frenchman let fly with a stunner from 25 yards which nestled in the top corner and earned the Magpies a share of the spoils from what was - until that point - an off-key performance.
Earlier, Ciaran Clark's close-range header had given the visitors a half-time lead, with the centre-back pouncing to nod home Barry Bannan's cross from the left.
But following Ben Arfa's leveller, Newcastle clicked into gear and laid siege on the Gallowgate End in search of a winner. Corner after corner and free-kick after free-kick were pumped into the box, but the home side were unable to grab a winner.
Yohan Cabaye almost won it for United with the last kick off the match - a 25-yard free-kick that was heading for the top corner - but found Villa keeper Brad Guzan equal to his effort with an outstanding save.
With just two minutes on the clock captain Fabricio Coloccini had come up with the first chance of the match.
Cabaye's free-kick dropped at the feet of the Argentine around ten yards out, but he was unable to get an early shot away and his eventual strike was deflected behind for a corner.
United were having the better of the opening exchanges, without ever testing recalled Villa keeper Guzan, and full-back Davide Santon saw a penalty claim fall on deaf ears when he tumbled inside the box under the challenge of two defenders.
But it was the visitors who came closest to breaking the deadlock on 19 minutes. When a flick from Andreas Weimann reached Darren Bent at the far post, the former Sunderland striker cut back in onto his left foot, only for Krul to be equal to his effort before Coloccini managed to scramble the loose ball behind.
Just two minutes later Krul was again called upon to deny Bent, this time when the front man got in behind United's defence on the left-hand side of the box.
And having provided tow warnings, Villa opened the scoring on 22 minutes through Clark. The young defender had stayed upfield for a corner and was afforded the freedom of the six-yard box to head home Bannan's left-wing delivery.
Newcastle were almost level with seven minutes. As Demba Ba tricked his way past a couple of challenges and fired a low cross into the box, Cisse met it first time with the only outcome surely being an equaliser. No-one had told Guzan though, who stuck out a leg to repel the danger.
Vurnon Anita then drove inches wide of the upright, shortly before the Magpies were dealt a blow when right-back Danny Simpson hobbled off. He was replaced by Gael Bigirimana, with Anita switching to a role in the defence.
United continued to press, with Ba twice threatening. Last season's leading scorer first sent a shot across the face of goal and narrowly wide before forcing Guzan into a routine stop from 20 yards.
And then right on the stroke of half-time Cisse met a right-wing cross from Anita but the chance went begging as, stretching, he could only head off target.
After the restart Newcastle switched formation slightly to a midfield diamond, with Ben Arfa at the top and Bigirimana at the base, and the former conjured up the maiden opening of the half but was unable to steer his right-footed shot on target.
On 52 minutes Ben Arfa then almost got the hosts back on terms with a rare headed effort, but having risen highest at the far post, he was unable to power Anita's cross past Guzan.
At the other end, Stephen Ireland - who spent a brief loan spell on Tyneside during the 2010/11 campaign drilled straight at Krul from distance, and the Magpies promptly went upfield and equalised.
As Villa failed to properly clear their lines from a long ball into the box, Ben Arfa picked it up on the left, cut inside and from fully 25 yards sent an unstoppable strike into the top corner with his 'weaker' right foot.
The equaliser knocked the stuffing out of the visitors and finally sparked United into life. They looked vibrant, hungry and confident, roared on by more than 45,000 Geordies.
Ben Arfa sent a free-kick over the top, while Ba looped a header onto the roof of the net and by this point there was only one team in the contest.
As the game entered the final ten minutes Villa were offered a rare chance, but Ireland, with seemingly all the time in the world to pick his spot from the edge of the box, half-volleyed well off target, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Alan Pardew introduced Sylvain Marveaux and Gabriel Obertan with four minutes remaining, hoping the duo's injection of pace and trickery could force a winner, and there was almost an immediate impact, with Obertan making two threatening runs down the right in as many minutes.
There was to be one more chance and it arrived deep into five minutes of stoppage time. United were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out, Cabaye stepped up and it was like Manchester United all over again as the ball curled over the wall and headed straight for the top corner.
It would have been the most dramatic of finale's but Guzan hadn't read the script, flying to his right to parry the ball away full stretch, and that proved to be almost the final kick of the match, with the hosts having to settle for a share of the spoils.
Newcastle United (4-4-2): Tim Krul; Danny Simpson (Gael Bigirimana 38), Steven Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Davide Santon; Hatem Ben Arfa, Yohan Cabaye, Vurnon Anita, Jonas Gutierrez (Sylvain Marveaux 86); Demba Ba (Gabriel Obertan 86), Papiss Cisse
Subs not used: Steve Harper, Mike Williamson, Dan Gosling, Romain Amalfitano
Aston Villa (4-1-3-2): Brad Guzan; Matthew Lowton, Ron Vlaar, Ciaran Clark, Eric Lichaj; Karim El Ahamadi (Charles N'Zogbia 73); Brett Holman, Stephen Ireland, Barry Bannan; Andreas Weimann (Gabriel Agbonlahor 64), Darren Bent
Subs not used: Shay Given, Nathan Baker, Derrick Williams, Graham Burke, Jordan Bowery
Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire)
Attendance: 48,245
Goal kick taken long by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) to centre, header by Steven Taylor(Newcastle) from right side of penalty area (12 yards), missed right.
Foul by Brett Holman(Aston Villa) on Sylvain Marveaux(Newcastle). Brett Holman(Aston Villa) booked for unsporting behaviour. Free kick drilled right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from left channel (25 yards), fantastic save (tipped round post) by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Cross by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle), clearance by Ciaran Clark(Aston Villa).
Cross by Charles N'Zogbia(Aston Villa), clearance by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle).
Foul by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle) on Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa). Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa) booked for time wasting. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa) on Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle). Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Matthew Lowton(Aston Villa).
Goal kick taken long by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Shot by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed right.
Cross by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle), clearance by Ciaran Clark(Aston Villa).
Cross by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle), comfortable save (caught) by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Sylvain Marveaux(Newcastle) to centre, clearance by Ciaran Clark(Aston Villa).
Shot by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) left-footed from left channel (20 yards), blocked by Ciaran Clark(Aston Villa).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Newcastle substitution: Demba Ba replaced by Gabriel Obertan (tactical).
Foul by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) on Charles N'Zogbia(Aston Villa). Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour.Newcastle substitution: Jonas Gutierrez replaced by Sylvain Marveaux (tactical). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Barry Bannan(Aston Villa) from left channel, header by Ciaran Clark(Aston Villa) from right side of penalty area (6 yards), missed right.
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Shot by Darren Bent(Aston Villa) drilled right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Gael Bigirimana(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle).
Foul by Stephen Ireland(Aston Villa) on Gael Bigirimana(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Demba Ba(Newcastle) on Brett Holman(Aston Villa). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Ron Vlaar(Aston Villa) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken short by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Foul by Charles N'Zogbia(Aston Villa) on Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Gael Bigirimana(Newcastle) from left wing, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Cross by Davide Santon(Newcastle), clearance by Ciaran Clark(Aston Villa).
Cross by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle), clearance by Ron Vlaar(Aston Villa).
Handball by Brett Holman(Aston Villa). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Gabriel Agbonlahor(Aston Villa), resulting in open play. Shot by Stephen Ireland(Aston Villa) drilled left-footed from centre of penalty area (18 yards), missed left.
Cross by Papiss Cisse(Newcastle), resulting in open play.
Cross by Davide Santon(Newcastle), clearance by Ron Vlaar(Aston Villa).
Attacking throw-in by Steven Taylor(Newcastle).
Cross by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle), clearance by Ciaran Clark(Aston Villa).
Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Barry Bannan(Aston Villa) to centre, clearance by Steven Taylor(Newcastle).
Cross by Barry Bannan(Aston Villa), clearance by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle).
Cross by Matthew Lowton(Aston Villa), clearance by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Cross by Gael Bigirimana(Newcastle), drilled header by Demba Ba(Newcastle) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), over the bar.
Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) to near post, clearance by Darren Bent(Aston Villa).
Foul by Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa) on Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa).
Aston Villa substitution: Karim El Ahmadi replaced by Charles N'Zogbia (injury).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) to near post, clearance by Darren Bent(Aston Villa).
Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) to far post, resulting in open play.
Shot by Demba Ba(Newcastle) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), blocked by Ron Vlaar(Aston Villa).
Foul by Brett Holman(Aston Villa) on Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle). Free kick crossed right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from left wing, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Foul by Ciaran Clark(Aston Villa) on Demba Ba(Newcastle). Free kick curled left-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) from right channel (20 yards), missed right.
Defending throw-in by Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa).
Aston Villa substitution: Andreas Weimann replaced by Gabriel Agbonlahor (tactical). Goal kick taken long by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Cross by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle), resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Shot by Andreas Weimann(Aston Villa) left-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) on Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Karim El Ahmadi(Aston Villa) from left wing, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa).
Goal by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) drilled right-footed (top-right of goal) from left channel (25 yards).Newcastle 1-1 Aston Villa.
Shot by Stephen Ireland(Aston Villa) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ron Vlaar(Aston Villa) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Matthew Lowton(Aston Villa).
Attacking throw-in by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle).
Foul by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) on Karim El Ahmadi(Aston Villa). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Karim El Ahmadi(Aston Villa) from right channel, passed.
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Barry Bannan(Aston Villa) to far post, header by Darren Bent(Aston Villa) from right side of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar.
Cross by Andreas Weimann(Aston Villa), clearance by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa).
Attacking throw-in by Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa).
Attacking throw-in by Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa).
Cross by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle), drilled header by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Cross by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle), comfortable save (caught) by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Shot by Darren Bent(Aston Villa) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), blocked by Karim El Ahmadi(Aston Villa).
Cross by Barry Bannan(Aston Villa), clearance by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Foul by Brett Holman(Aston Villa) on Davide Santon(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Davide Santon(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Foul by Andreas Weimann(Aston Villa) on Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Shot by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) right-footed from left channel (30 yards), missed left.
Cross by Matthew Lowton(Aston Villa), resulting in open play.
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Barry Bannan(Aston Villa) to far post, clearance by Demba Ba(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Matthew Lowton(Aston Villa).
Attacking throw-in by Matthew Lowton(Aston Villa).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Barry Bannan(Aston Villa) to centre, save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Brett Holman(Aston Villa), clearance by Steven Taylor(Newcastle).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) to far post, header by Steven Taylor(Newcastle) from left side of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar.
Foul by Brett Holman(Aston Villa) on Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Cross by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle), header by Papiss Cisse(Newcastle) from left side of penalty area (6 yards), missed left.
Cross by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle), resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Papiss Cisse(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Cross by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle), resulting in ball out of play.
Foul by Karim El Ahmadi(Aston Villa) on Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Andreas Weimann(Aston Villa) volleyed right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), over the bar.
Papiss Cisse(Newcastle) caught offside. Direct free kick taken left-footed by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Brett Holman(Aston Villa) on Vurnon Anita(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Shot by Demba Ba(Newcastle) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Foul by Andreas Weimann(Aston Villa) on Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Davide Santon(Newcastle) on Matthew Lowton(Aston Villa). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Shot by Demba Ba(Newcastle) left-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), missed right.
Cross by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle), resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle).
Newcastle substitution: Danny Simpson replaced by Gael Bigirimana (injury).
Attacking throw-in by Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa).
Attacking throw-in by Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa).
Goal kick taken long by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Attacking throw-in by Steven Taylor(Newcastle).
Cross by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle), save (caught) by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Shot by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle) right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), missed right.
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) to far post, resulting in open play.
Cross by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle), shot by Papiss Cisse(Newcastle) left-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Ron Vlaar(Aston Villa).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) to far post, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Matthew Lowton(Aston Villa).
Foul by Karim El Ahmadi(Aston Villa) on Danny Simpson(Newcastle). Karim El Ahmadi(Aston Villa) booked for unsporting behaviour. Free kick crossed left-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) from right wing, save (caught) by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Foul by Darren Bent(Aston Villa) on Davide Santon(Newcastle). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Davide Santon(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Foul by Andreas Weimann(Aston Villa) on Davide Santon(Newcastle). Free kick crossed right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) to near post, clearance by Darren Bent(Aston Villa).
Cross by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle), clearance by Ciaran Clark(Aston Villa).
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Cross by Barry Bannan(Aston Villa), headed goal by Ciaran Clark(Aston Villa) (bottom-right of goal) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards).Newcastle 0-1 Aston Villa. Assist (cross) by Barry Bannan(Aston Villa) from left wing.
Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Barry Bannan(Aston Villa) to centre, resulting in open play.
Cross by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle), clearance by Ron Vlaar(Aston Villa).
Shot by Darren Bent(Aston Villa) drilled left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle).
Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Barry Bannan(Aston Villa) to centre, header by Ron Vlaar(Aston Villa) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Darren Bent(Aston Villa) left-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), save (blocked) by Tim Krul(Newcastle). Shot by Andreas Weimann(Aston Villa) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (tipped round post) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Matthew Lowton(Aston Villa).
Foul by Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa) on Demba Ba(Newcastle). Free kick crossed left-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) from right wing, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Danny Simpson(Newcastle), clearance by Ciaran Clark(Aston Villa).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Papiss Cisse(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Ron Vlaar(Aston Villa) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle).
Cross by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle), save (caught) by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Foul by Karim El Ahmadi(Aston Villa) on Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from right channel, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Cross by Andreas Weimann(Aston Villa), clearance by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Cross by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle), save (caught) by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Foul by Brett Holman(Aston Villa) on Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa).
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa).
Defending throw-in by Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa).
Attacking throw-in by Matthew Lowton(Aston Villa).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) to centre, save (caught) by Bradley Guzan(Aston Villa).
Foul by Eric Lichaj(Aston Villa) on Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle). Free kick crossed right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from right wing, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Cross by Davide Santon(Newcastle), clearance by Ron Vlaar(Aston Villa).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).