Theodore Bjorn, Wesley, and Jack Grealish—the three absolute key players—did immediately not start.
Nevertheless, Aston Villa still won the match.
Forward Anwar El Ghazi scored a goal in the 60th minute, and Aston Villa relied on this strike to secure three valuable points.
With this victory, the squad secured their spot in the knockout stage two rounds early.
...
After the Europa League match, Aston Villa returned to England.
Two days later, they faced Newcastle United at home.
Although not part of the traditional "Big Six," Newcastle United's squad was impressive.
They had performed well since the start of the season, sitting in 7th place and riding a three-match winning streak.
In the pre-match press conference, Newcastle manager Steve Bruce expressed great confidence.
Despite Aston Villa's 11 consecutive Premier League wins and their massive victories over Manchester City and Liverpool, Bruce firmly believed his team could win.
"The opponent is in excellent form, especially their midfielder Theodore Bjorn, who has 18 goals and 18 assists," Bruce stated. "But I have great confidence in Newcastle's players. Tomorrow's match will be difficult. We have devised detailed tactics to stop their key players."
...
Match day. At 8:00 p.m., Villa Park was packed to capacity.
Villa's outstanding form and top position in the league had attracted a massive crowd.
In the broadcast booth, Ian Darke and Stewart Robson began their commentary.
"Welcome, everyone, to this Premier League Round 12 match," Ian Darke announced. "League leaders Aston Villa host Newcastle United."
"Aston Villa have won all 11 of their matches, sitting at the top of the table. Their opponents, Newcastle, are in a respectable 7th place."
"The starting lineups are in," Robson took over. "For Aston Villa, Dean Smith abandoned his familiar 4-1-4-1 formation and switched to an attacking 4-3-3."
"Tom Heaton remains in goal."
"A back four of Frédéric Guilbert, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, and Matt Targett."
"A midfield trio of John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, and Conor Hourihane."
"And a front three: Theodore Bjorn, Wesley, and Jack Grealish!"
"Dean Smith has made a significant adjustment," Darke noted. "Theodore Bjorn is actually playing as the right winger today!"
"Given his goal-scoring form, achieving four-goal hauls against Manchester City and Liverpool, pushing him forward makes sense," Robson added. "As for Newcastle United, Steve Bruce sets up a defensive 5-4-1 formation."
"Martin Dúbravka in goal."
"A back five of Jetro Willems, Paul Dummett, Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernández, and DeAndre Yedlin."
"The midfield four: Allan Saint-Maximin, Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden, and Miguel Almirón."
"With Joelinton operating as the lone striker."
The referee blew the whistle, and the battle commenced.
After kickoff, Newcastle United's attacking momentum was fierce.
Steve Bruce did not take Aston Villa lightly, and his team looked strong from the opening stages.
Newcastle put pressure on the Villa defense right away. On the left wing, Saint-Maximin received the ball and accelerated.
Relying on his raw speed, he outpaced the defender. The 22-year-old Frenchman carved out space and crossed the ball.
Boom!
The ball flew across the penalty area and dipped toward the far post.
Joelinton leaped into the air. The Brazilian striker overpowered the Aston Villa center-back and connected with the header.
"Joelinton with the header!" Darke shouted. "He overpowers the defender and scores! 1-0 to Newcastle! They score in less than three minutes! Unbelievable start!"
Ian Darke's voice carried genuine shock.
He didn't expect Newcastle to breach Villa's defense so quickly.
On social media, the global fanbase echoed his confusion:
@Villan82: "They scored so quickly? What is going on with the defense?"
@BrummieBoy: "No way, I just went to grab a drink and they scored already?"
@UTV_Always: "Newcastle scored on their first attack... Our defense shouldn't be this weak!"
Stewart Robson provided the tactical breakdown: "Dean Smith played young Ezri Konsa at center-back tonight due to Björn Engels picking up an injury during the warm-up. Konsa is naturally a full-back, and his heading ability is average. That is the main reason Joelinton was able to score. If Mings had been marking him, Joelinton wouldn't have had a chance."
...
After the restart, Aston Villa launched an attack.
McGinn passed the ball to Theodore on the right flank.
This was Theodore's first time playing as a right winger. He wasn't particularly familiar with the position.
However, given his exceptional ability, he could still put immense pressure on the opponent's defense.
When the ball reached his feet, Newcastle deployed Saint-Maximin and Willems to double-team him.
Faced with the trap, Theodore remained calm.
He didn't attempt to dribble past them, instead, he delivered a first-time 45-degree cross.
Boom!
The ball flew into the penalty area.
Aston Villa's star striker, Wesley, arrived on cue. The timing of Theodore's pass and Wesley's run synchronized flawlessly.
As the ball dipped, Wesley executed a diving header.
Boom!!
The ball found the back of the net!
Goalkeeper Dúbravka's dive was a fraction too slow.
"Goal! Aston Villa equalize!" Darke called. "Theodore Bjorn with the cross, Wesley with the header!"
"Playing as a winger allows him to showcase his passing talent even more," Robson observed.
"Dean Smith's tactical adjustment demonstrates real expertise."
In the stands, over forty thousand Villa fans celebrated wholeheartedly, singing the team anthem.
Wesley rushed over to give Theodore a massive hug.
The pressure shifted back to Newcastle.
Steve Bruce looked furious with his defenders. He had given strict instructions to limit Theodore's passing, yet Saint-Maximin and Willems failed to execute the plan.
They stopped the dribble but couldn't prevent the delivery.
After the restart, Aston Villa maintained their attacking momentum. The front three pressed the Newcastle player in possession.
Theodore's pressing was particularly intense, utilizing his natural midfield defensive skills.
He and Wesley dispossessed Hayden deep in Newcastle territory.
The Villa Park crowd erupted in cheers, anticipating a second goal.
Theodore delivered a slick through ball to Grealish near the penalty area. Unfortunately, Grealish couldn't bypass Yedlin, and Newcastle regained possession.
After a series of quick passes, the ball found Jonjo Shelvey.
The midfield maestro launched a high-quality long pass with his right foot to Miguel Almirón. The Paraguayan dribbled forward on the right flank.
Newcastle United's tactics were simple: defend and counterattack.
As Almirón advanced, Joelinton began jostling for position with Tyrone Mings inside the penalty area.
Standing at 196cm tall, Mings possessed formidable heading ability.
Targett and Douglas Luiz rushed to block Almirón.
Weighing his options against the two defenders, Almirón chose to cross early.
Boom!
Joelinton and Mings jumped simultaneously.
Relying on his height advantage, Mings completed the headed clearance.
The ball landed near the edge of the penalty area.
McGinn controlled it, sparking a counterattack.
Theodore and Grealish began sprinting down the flanks. McGinn didn't hesitate, he passed the ball to Theodore on the right.
Although Grealish wore the number 10 jersey, Theodore Bjorn was the true core of the team.
"It's Theodore Bjorn again!" Darke exclaimed. "He runs at the defense, does a couple of stepovers, and cuts inside! Willems is easily beaten!"
Theodore took the shot.
Boom!
The ball swerved into the far corner.
Dúbravka stood rooted to the spot, unable to make a diving save.
"Goalllll! What a stunning strike!" Darke roared. "The power on that shot gave the keeper no chance to react!"
"He is too versatile," Robson remarked. "Playing on the right wing, he showcases his dribbling ability and his long-range shooting after cutting inside. If his pace were just a bit faster, he would be unplayable."
Theodore rushed to the corner flag and swung his left fist at it in celebration.
The 2-1 scoreline gave Aston Villa the advantage.
Newcastle United entered their darkest moment.
Bruce kicked a water bottle on the substitute bench in frustration.
The experienced manager knew falling behind made the rest of the match incredibly difficult.
After the restart, Newcastle had no way back, they had to attack.
Shelvey passed to Saint-Maximin on the left flank, as the team aimed to rely on wing play to create shooting opportunities.