Matthias Jaissle watched on as his Newcastle United team lost 1-0 to Aston Villa.

Manzambi getting the all important goal in the first half.

A Newcastle United performance that was full of perspiration but lacking inspiration when looking to unlock the Aston Villa defence.

The United boss reflecting on what he had seen.

Matthias Jaissle speaking to Sky Sports: “It was a game where we were dominating. Overall I thought I was seeing a team giving a response. We had many situations where you saw that we were going to win that game and then we conceded a goal. We also need to be honest. We were shaky until half-time but then after that we showed a good response after half time.”

The German Head Coach going on to say: “The second 45 minutes were again really aggressive. We won the important duels. Unfortunately we were just not smart enough in our decision making in the final third so that is something we need to improve. There were many occasions where we didn’t find the right pass. Sometimes not the right timing. These things need to be combined pretty soon to be more efficient.”

Matthias Jaissle on what he told his players at half-time: “Belief, purely belief because the first 30 minutes was really good, until we conceded the goal actually. It’s a bit typical for a young squad really, emotion-wise a bit shaky with ups and downs during a match and we need to learn to find the reset straight away and consistently believe in the things we were doing before. I cannot say anything against the attitude but the goal is missing.”

Matthias Jaissle on Sven Botman’s and Joelinton’s first-half challenges and yellow cards: “Honestly, it was really fast, both actions. So I was in the beginning sure there was no foul from Joelinton but it went so fast. The decision-making was clear from the referee and I think they checked even the foul from Sven but I didn’t see it right now.”

Matthias Jaissle on improving defensively: “I think in both areas, right? Because today we didn’t score. Defensive-wise; I think the structure and discipline was good but not all the time and in the Premier League against a strong opponent one occasion is enough to concede a goal and that was too easy – losing a man in the box, we need to put pressure on the cross. Again, we need to be more efficient offensive-wise.”

Matthias Jaissle on whether Dan Burn is close to returning to his role at centre-back after being played up front late in the match: “I think you’re smart enough to know this was a tactical approach for the additional time. We went all in and in that occasion, I’m aware he is a centre-back so don’t doubt that. He is getting the physical back which is really important for him. He was quite long out but he is getting better and better physical wise. Hopefully soon we can see him again in his natural position.”

Newcastle United 0 Aston Villa 1 – Saturday 17 October 2026 5.30pm

Match Stats

Goals:

Villa:

Manzambi 36

Possession was Newcastle 49% Villa 51%

Total shots were Newcastle 16 Villa 15

Shots on target were Newcastle 1 Villa  3

Corners were Newcastle 4 Villa 5

Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 39 Villa 27

Newcastle team v Aston Villa:

Hornicek, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Lewis Miley, Gonzalez, Willock (Osula 56), Joelinton (Burn 90), Wissa, Barnes, Fernandez-Pardo (Toure 56)

Unused subs:

Pope, Schar, Bamba, Steur, Dedic, Murphy