Aston Villa Head into Halftime Level with Newcastle in Crucial Champions League Clash
Aston Villa and Newcastle United are locked at 1-1 going into halftime in a match that could have major implications for Champions League qualification.
Ollie Watkins gave Villa an early lead when his shot deflected off Fabian Schär and beat the Newcastle goalkeeper. However, Schär quickly made amends, heading the ball between Emi Martínez’s legs to bring the Magpies back on level terms.
With the stakes so high, Unai Emery must be prepared to make bold decisions at halftime to give his side the edge in the second half.
Time to Bench Marco Asensio?
Emery’s January transfer window additions have added valuable depth to the squad, with Marco Asensio among those brought in. The PSG loanee has shown flashes of quality, contributing goals and assists during his time in the West Midlands.
However, his recent form has raised concerns among supporters, particularly following two missed penalties against Southampton. His first-half display against Newcastle has done little to restore confidence—he squandered a golden chance to retake the lead and registered zero percent shot accuracy, according to FotMob.
Despite Watkins’ dynamic return to the starting XI, Asensio has struggled to make an impact, recording just 23 touches, only two of which came in the opposition box. His crossing success stands at just 33%, and he has failed to complete a single tackle.
Physically, he’s been outmuscled—losing most of his duels and being fouled twice, further indicating his difficulty asserting himself in the game. Given the circumstances, this may not be the match for Asensio to shine, and Emery may need to make a tough call.
Emery Must Keep the Bigger Picture in Mind
Villa have had a strong campaign under Emery, and while their Champions League dreams were dashed by PSG, domestic ambitions remain very much alive. The FA Cup is still in play, but securing a top-five league finish would be a significant statement heading into the summer transfer window.
With both Villa and Newcastle in the hunt for Champions League qualification, this fixture is crucial. A win over their top-four rivals could prove vital in the final standings.
While Asensio has had bright moments in claret and blue, this simply hasn’t been his game. Emery must be ruthless if Villa are to walk away with a season-defining result.
View: Emery has to axe 0% Aston Villa man at HT v Newcastle, CL spot on the line
