“Aston Villa, it’s happened again,” the St James’ crowd sang towards the end. Newcastle were physical, hostile and debated every decision, preying on the low foul threshold the referee set. In the first 28 minutes, before the sending-off, there were 11 fouls.

Aston Villa were well beaten by Newcastle United at St James' Park on a day when there were as many red cards as goals

Newcastle thumped Ipswich Town on the road on Saturday, with Alexander Isak helping himself to a hat-trick. Aston Villa arrive on Tyneside after an impressive win of their own against Manchester City - but Unai Emery's side have lost four on the spin away from Villa Park.