Steven Gerrard pulls no punches after Aston Villa's sorry Newcastle United defeat

Aston Villa's hapless winless record at St James' Park continues into an 18th year after Kieran Trippier lashed home a first-half free-kick to win it.

The England full-back fired through Villa's poor wall on 35 minutes, with Newcastle initially awarded a penalty as Calum Chambers fouled Joe Willock but, after a VAR check, the free-kick was given and Trippier did the rest.

Steven Gerrard made just one change prior to kick-off with Chambers coming in for the suspended Ezri Konsa while, in attack, Emi Buendia started once again after shaking off a hip problem sustained in the 3-3 draw with Leeds in midweek.

Villa's draw with Leeds and their display on Tyneside was chalk and cheese in comparison with Gerrard's side appearing leggy and lacklustre right from the word go.

Just prior to half-time, though, Villa fashioned their first meaningful chance when John McGinn saw his well-placed effort deflected just wide with Tyrone Mings heading off target from the resultant corner.

After the break and, no doubt after a tongue-lashing from the manager, Villa improved slightly and had three efforts on Newcastle's goal within minutes with Ollie Watkins sending one over while Cash had two strikes after rampaging forwards on the right.

Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz then managed to get a free-kick up and over the wall but Toon stopper Martin Dubravka saved with ease.

After that, it was Newcastle who came on strong once more Cash doing well to deflect Allan Saint-Maximin's well-hit shot away from Emi Martinez's goal while, seconds later, the Polish international was at it again to clear Dan Burn's header.

Villa, though, continued to rally before controversy struck as Watkins nodded home at the far post but, after such a lengthy VAR