Sandro Tonali’s sensational double helped Newcastle come from behind to secure a dramatic 3-1 win against 10-man Aston Villa to book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Villa controversially took the lead when opener Tammy Abraham was allowed to stand, despite being clearly offside, and VAR inoperative, but the momentum would quickly change when goalkeeper Marc Bizo’s moment of madness led to a straight red card.
The goalkeeper ran off his line in an attempt to stop a Newcastle counter-attack just before the break and brought down Jacob Murphy with a sliding challenge near the halfway line, leaving referee Chris Cavanagh with no choice as the goal gaped.
Marco Bizot fouls Newcastle’s Jacob Murphy leading to a red card for the Aston Villa keeper
Eddie Howe’s side were already aggrieved by the lack of VAR in the game after the opener and Digne escaping a red card for a dangerous tackle on Murphy, which was then compounded when the same man’s handball was ruled a free-kick despite contact reaching the area.
Growing frustration was quickly removed from that set piece, however, as Tonali’s first effort of the night deflected into the bottom left corner to give his side the lead.
With time and numbers on their side, Newcastle took the lead with just under 15 minutes remaining when Tonali struck again with added venom from the same position, before Nick Waltemade marked his 24th birthday with a third to seal a place in the fifth round for his side.
The Magpies will find out who they face in the next round on Monday when the draw takes place before Macclesfield face Brentford.
Meanwhile, the Villa’s hopes of ending the club’s 30-year wait for silverware now hinge on the Europa League.
Hove questions “strange” trial
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe speaking with BBC Sport:
“It felt like one of those games where any contested decision went against us. Of course, it wasn’t intentional by the officials and it’s one of those things you have to accept.”
“The players did really well to control their emotions and not get themselves into further trouble, but it was strange. The handball penalty, I could see that from where I was!
“It felt like one of those days where it wasn’t going to happen. The players did well, it’s not as easy as you think to break down a stubborn defensive unit. We did it really well in the second half.”
Lucas Digne avoided a red card and awarded a penalty for Aston Villa against Newcastle
Tripije: Dinja’s handball was definitely a penalty!
Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier speaking with BBC Sport:
“There is no VAR in the FA Cup, but the penalty (with Dinjo), I’m sure it was a penalty.”
“But this is football. You have to react to disappointments and I think we did that. Villa threatened with ten men, but that third goal was decisive.”