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Jamaal Lascelles is the type of midfielder who likes to lead by example. The Newcastle United captain definitely subscribes to the view that when the going gets tough, the tough get going and in injury time he re-emphasized his importance to Steve Bruce’s side.
Minutes earlier, Ciaran Clark had scored an own goal that threatened to be dire in Newcastle’s fight to avoid relegation but, finding a left cross from Jacob Murphy and firing a header past Emiliano Martínez, Lascelles rescued a potentially vital point.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the draw could have saved Bruce from capture, but his position and that of his team remain precarious. They rank 16th, just two points ahead of 18th-ranked Fulham, who play Manchester City on Saturday, and 17th-place Brighton, who take on Southampton on Sunday before hosting the Newcastle next weekend.
Outwardly at least, Bruce remains optimistic. “It was an awful goal to concede, a bit of a coincidence, but we showed the desire to get back in the game,” said the former Villa coach. “There are still 10 games left and I am convinced that we will be fine. There is no doubt that managing Newcastle is difficult. There is a great spotlight, but that’s the way it should be and I’m up for the challenge. “
St James’ Park may have been practically empty, but the handful that gathered inside clapped as loudly as possible during a heartfelt applause leading up to the start of the game for Glenn Roeder, who died two weeks ago.
Had the grounds been packed, it certainly would have been an emotional occasion as fans paid tribute to a beloved former captain and coach, but it has now been over a year since the turnstiles were last closed here.
Arguably the lack of supporters has kept Bruce in a job and season ticket holders at home certainly wouldn’t have been impressed when Villa started off in decidedly jealous mode, winning virtually every second ball.
Nonetheless, Joelinton really should have scored in the 14th minute after connecting with a direct pass from Jonjo Shelvey and dodging Tyrone Mings. The £ 40 million Brazilian was left alone with Martinez to win, but hesitated in the vital moment, taking one more touch and allowing Ezri Konsa to make a cleverly timed interception.
Both teams were left without injured offensive catalysts – Jack Grealish in the case of Villa and Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almirón in that of Newcastle – and their absence explained the underemployment of both goalkeepers.
Although Martin Dubravka deftly stopped Trezeguet’s angled shot after the forward dribbled past Paul Dummett, the Newcastle keeper was generally well protected by a very efficient defense. Bruce’s problems were beyond that, specifically in an attack department where Joelinton’s industry couldn’t camouflage the general dearth of improvisation and incision.
If the effort and, at times, the almost painful effort to look at was commendable, the lack of enthusiasm suggested that Villa may have hit a ceiling in his climb up the table.
It is true that a Konsa header crossed the face of the goal and Clark did very well to block Bertrand Traoré’s fierce shot, but Matt Targett was lucky not to head an own goal after a Joelinton cross. caught off guard. Meanwhile, Martinez seemed greatly relieved to see Murphy’s shot ricochet off the bar. “That was the best chance of the night,” Bruce said.
Under the ex’s so-called immutable law, it’s not uncommon for footballers to score against their old clubs, but when Ollie Watkins’ head butt heavily deflected Clark, the former Villa defender appeared to have recorded the winner for his former employers.
Clark and Lascelles are close friends and the latter is delighted to alleviate his friend’s misery by spearheading possibly the most important goal of his career. It left Dean Smith optimistic. “We didn’t deserve to win,” Villa’s manager said. “It was a very difficult game, we have some players with little confidence and we are not creating opportunities.”
