Credit: Imago, Hasan Karim - Breaking Media

Sandro Tonali steals the show, 3/10 struggles, five get 7/10 - Newcastle player ratings vs Aston Villa

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at Reach PLC and PA Media; University of Central Lancashire graduate. FOCUS Fan-engagement content and match analysis across the Premier League and Championship. THE INSIGHT Oliver utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified reporting and fan-first content. He provides the human stories behind the results to ensure fans get the full picture as it happens.

Published on:

14 Feb 2026, 2:19 pm

Newcastle made their way into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-1 comeback win over Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Newcastle were behind inside the first 15 minutes as Tammy Abraham latched onto the end of Douglas Luiz's quick free kick to score, despite looking offside upon second viewing.

A controversial first half saw Aston Villa keeper Marco Bizot sent off just before the break for a dangerous tackle on Harvey Barnes as he raced up the pitch.

The talking points continued into the second period, with Newcastle drawing level through Sandro Tonali after Chris Kavanagh had failed to award them a penalty for a Lucas Digne handball.

Tonali then grabbed his brace 15 minutes from time as he drilled a low strike past Emi Martinez from 25 yards out, and Nick Woltemade sealed the win late on after some lazy defending allowed him to pounce, and it ended 3-1.

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali in action during a game.

(Credit: Imago)

Read more: Man United to make Sandro Tonali move ‘very soon’ as Newcastle ‘whispers’ emerge

Sandro Tonali - Man of the match

News of Bruno Guimaraes' long-term injury came as a huge blow to Newcastle earlier this week, but Tonali stepped up to make sure they did not miss their captain at Villa Park.

The Italy international delivered a Guimaraes-esque performance as he popped up twice to fire his side to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

His first came through a slice of luck after a deflection off Douglas Luiz, but the second was a fantastic strike that left Martinez with no chance down to his right.

Sandro Tonali gets his second goal of the evening to put Newcastle ahead, and what a strike it is 😮‍💨@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/qyigBWswu7
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 14, 2026

He also won both of his ground duels and made 10 passes into the final third, so earns a nine out of 10 rating for effectively winning his side the match.

Read more: Every game Bruno Guimaraes is expected to miss as Newcastle injury timescale emerges

William Osula had no impact on the game up front

Osula has had to bide his time for chances in attack this season, after he looked set to leave last summer but was kept on Tyneside by manager Howe.

The 22-year-old's last Magpies start came against Bradford City last September, and his rustiness was clear to see as he struggled to ever get involved in proceedings at Villa Park.

(Credit: Imago)

His one shot on goal came directly after Villa's opener, and he caught it so wrong that it ended up going out for a throw-in rather than testing Bizot.

Osula touched the ball just nine times, with only one of those coming in the hosts' penalty area, while he lost possession on four occasions and won only one of seven attempted duels.

He was taken off for Anthony Gordon in the 63rd minute, and earns a low three out of 10 rating for his poor showing.