Five-star Newcastle destroy Aston Villa at raucous St James's Park

Newcastle United built on the feel-good factor of last season as they served up an opening day 5-1 thrashing to Aston Villa at St James's Park on Saturday evening.

Striker Alexander Isak scored either side of half-time, while earlier there had been a debut goal from impressive Italian international Sandro Tonali.

Another debut goal, for Villa's Moussa Diaby, had briefly levelled the game but the visitors were well beaten.

Substitutes Harvey Barnes and Callum Wilson combined for the latter to make it 4-1 with 20 minutes remaining and it got even worse as Barnes, another player enjoying a memorable debut, waltzed through the ragged Villa defence for number five.

Afterwards, a jubilant Isak, who was full of praise for the overall performance and his new teammates, said:"We wanted to give a good first impression, win the game, be very positive and we managed to score so many goals. I had some trouble last season. I feel good now, got a good start and hopefully I can stay fit and keep going this way."

He added: "I think prior to Tonali's arrival we all knew his quality and today, it is not easy to come to a new league and make such a debut as he did. The same as Harvey [Barnes], so really impressive. We all know the quality we have in the squad. You always want to play good and the sooner the better. I am happy for the team and those players.

"I think the players we brought in fit really well with this team. You see the speed and how dangerous we can be on the counter-attack. I think the additions have been good and it's only going to get better."

The hosts made a flying start to the game with Anthony Gordon at the heart of everything for the Magpies.

The England under-21 winger - player of the tournament at this summer's U21