Newcastle United 1-0 Aston Villa: Kieran Trippier scores winner

Newcastle United moved four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone with a third straight win as Kieran Trippier's free-kick sank Aston Villa at St James' Park.

Trippier found a gap through the wall — his attempt hit Emiliano Buendia on its way into the net — after Joe Willock had been fouled by Calum Chambers.

Referee Craig Pawson pointed to the penalty spot but it was downgraded to a free-kick after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.

However, Newcastle were soon celebrating after Trippier — captaining the side in the absence of unwell Jamaal Lascelles — scored from a set-piece for the second time in as many games.

Villa thought they had equalised in the second half through Ollie Watkins' header, but the goal was ruled out after a long VAR check which deemed the striker's foot to be offside.

Newcastle's win came at a cost as Trippier, who arrived from Atletico Madrid for £12m in January, and Javi Manquillo were forced off with injuries.

The game was stopped briefly in the second half because of a medical emergency in the crowd.

More to follow

Rate players out of 10 throughout or after the game. The rater will close 30 minutes after the final whistle.

6.21

7.77

6.38

6.83

6.03

6.40

6.36

6.48

6.47

6.03

7.06

6.06

6.02

6.70

5.03

5.02

4.81

4.81

5.03

5.54

4.79

5.28

4.94

4.96

6.17

4.66

4.57

4.44

Formation 4-3-3

Formation 4-3-3

Match ends, Newcastle United 1, Aston Villa 0.

Second Half ends, Newcastle United 1, Aston Villa 0.

Jacob Ramsey (Aston Villa) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

Foul by Jacob Ramsey (Aston Villa).

Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Attempt saved. Allan Saint-Maximin (Newcastle United) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Chris