Aston Villa beat Newcastle United 1-0 at St. James' Park on Saturday evening, courtesy of a well-placed first-half header from Johan Manzambi.

A feisty back-and-forth opening half an hour was encapsulated by Sven Botman's reckless challenge on Nicolas Jackson, which almost resulted in a red card for the Dutchman after a lengthy VAR check. Villa began to take charge of the game after this incident, looking threatening on the break with the likes of Jackson, Alysson and Manzambi.

This pressure from Unai Emery's side told in the 36th minute, when Joao Gomes' exceptional cross found an unmarked Manzambi inside the Newcastle box, and the Swiss made no mistake with his headed finish, firmly planting the ball beyond Lukas Hornicek. Emi Buendia almost doubled the West Midlanders' advantage moments later, crashing off the post after good work from Jackson.

Newcastle responded with a period of pressure at the start of the second half, although this spell only amounted in one chance of note, with Zion Suzuki producing an excellent save from a speculative Botman effort. The Magpies continued to probe as the game wore on, by dominating possession in and around Villa's box, but it was Emery's team that looked the more likely to score via a brisk counter-attack.

Ibrahim Mbaye missed a handful of opportunities to wrap the game up for Villa late on, while Yoane Wissa was guilty of spurning promising chances for an equaliser. Ultimately, Villa held out to secure a huge three points, moving up to 12th in the Premier League.

Zion Suzuki Shines for Villa

Zion Suzuki - A

Aston Villa's new number one has settled in nicely under Emery, and this was another confident display from him. Commanded his box excellently, while his distribution was typically immaculate.

Made an outstanding save from Botman's second half effort, alongside a number of crucial claims.

Matty Cash - B-

Faced with keeping Newcastle's biggest threat, Harvey Barnes, quiet, he did so effectively, whilst providing his typical marauding, overlapping runs throughout.

Victor Lindelof - A

A composed display at the back from the Swede, who is enjoying something of renaissance at Villa since leaving Manchester United.

Under enormous Newcastle pressure at times, his passing from the back was on-point and progressive.

Tyrone Mings - B

Villa's captain struggled against Brentford last week, but delivered a much more accomplished display this time around. Newcastle clearly looked to expose his diminishing athleticism, but he fought back using his strength and defensive know-how.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka - B-

He's never going to thrive as an attacking outlet, and playing on his weaker side only made this more difficult. He regularly received the ball high up on the left and, unsurprisingly, wasn't able to produce anything threatening.

However, he dealt with the pacey Matias Fernandez-Pardo well, keeping the Newcastle winger negated throughout.

Villa's Counter-Attacking Stars Exploit Newcastle

Boubacar Kamara - B+

A steady showing in the middle of the park from Villa's ever-present midfield anchor. He helped prevent Newcastle's aggressive midfielders from breaking through, while he coped well with the Magpies' intense press.

Joao Gomes - B

A stunning cross for Manzambi's opener broke the game open, and this topped off what was a solid display which showcased his ability to carry between the lines.

Johan Manzambi - A

He has a knack for popping up in goal-scoring positions and providing decisive moments, and proved this ability once again with a well-timed first half header.

The youngster was also at the heart of several of Villa's dangerous counter-attacks throughout the game, and he almost always made the right decision when spearheading these breaks.

Emi Buendia - B+

He neatly conducted Villa's well-constructed attacks, and was unlucky not to score when he hit the post shortly after Manzambi's opener.

However, he faded somewhat in the second half as Newcastle took control of possession and territory.

Alysson - B-

The most peripheral of Villa's dangerous attackers on the day, yet he still made an impact with a couple of direct bursts. That said, it was always going to be a difficult challenge against the imperious Lewis Hall, and he didn't exactly set the world alight.

Nicolas Jackson - A-

A constant threat with his runs in behind and dynamic movement. Typically wasteful in front of goal, but he made up for it with what he brought to Villa's rampant counter-attacking game.

SUBSTITUTES

John McGinn - B

Brought on in a difficult game state as Villa had their backs against the wall for much of the second half. However, he contributed to this rearguard action with some effective ball retention at times.

Ross Barkley - C+

Had a well-struck effort saved by Hornicek and helped see out the game for the Villans.

Ibrahim Mbaye - B+

Provided Villa with an outlet as they sat back and absorbed Newcastle's pressure late on. Arguably should've scored when played in by Barkley.

Leon Goretzka - C+

Brought on to sure things up in the middle of the park, and did this effectively with a handful of important defensive interventions.

Pau Torres -

Not on long enough to grade.