3️⃣ points as Aston Villa cruise past lacklustre Newcastle | OneFootball

It was a comfortable night for Aston Villa as they breezed past Newcastle 2-0 on Monday night.

Here are three points we took from the game …

Grealish is the real deal

John McGinn and Tyrone Mings have grabbed the headlines at Aston Villa this season – but Jack Grealish is arguably even better.

He was at the centre of everything against Newcastle, including being fouled in the build up to their opener, and dictating play throughout.

Grealish completed five key passes, four dribbles and even won three tackles, rounding off his complete midfielder performance.

Dean Smith has given him the keys to Villa Park and is reaping instant reward.

New boys deserves credit

Sheffield United and Norwich have shown no signs of nerves in the Premier League and Aston Villa are following suit.

Under Smith they play with energy, intelligence and vibrancy in attack – Newcastle couldn’t get close to them all night.

There is a real balance to this side and best of all, they seem to enjoy playing with each other which points to a happy camp.

We loved watching them.

Magpies underwhelm again

Newcastle looked to have turned a corner before the international break with two consecutive wins, but they reverted back to the norm on Monday.

Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey offered nothing in midfield, Miguel Almirón looks shot of confidence and Joelinton continues to find himself isolated.

Allan Saint-Maximin was again a bright spot but lacked consistency in his final ball.

This is a talented squad but Steve Bruce can’t figure out how to get the best out of them. It’s a massive worry.