Newcastle upon Tyne [UK], March 5 (HBTV): Newcastle United scored a dramatic late winner to defeat Manchester United 2-1 at St James’ Park in their Premier League fixture on Thursday. In another match, Chelsea secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park, according to the Premier League website.
The Newcastle vs Manchester United clash produced a frantic first half. Newcastle were reduced to 10 men when Jacob Ramsey was sent off after receiving two yellow cards, the second for simulation. Despite the setback, the hosts took the lead in stoppage time when Anthony Gordon calmly converted a penalty after being fouled by United’s Bruno Fernandes.
Manchester United responded almost immediately. Fernandes delivered a dangerous free-kick into the box, and Casemiro rose highest to head home the equaliser just before the break.
With a numerical advantage in the second half, United pushed for a winner but were denied several times by Newcastle goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who produced impressive saves to stop efforts from Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee.
Newcastle struck the decisive blow late in the match as substitute William Osula scored a sensational 90th-minute winner to seal a memorable victory for the 10-man hosts.
The result leaves Manchester United third in the Premier League points table with 51 points, while Newcastle move up to 12th with 39 points.
In the Chelsea vs Aston Villa match, Chelsea returned to winning ways with an impressive 4-1 victory over Aston Villa, inspired by a hat-trick from Joao Pedro.
Villa made a dream start, taking the lead after just two minutes. Leon Bailey delivered a low cross into the box, Ollie Watkins allowed it to run through, and Douglas Luiz flicked it past Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen to score the opening goal.
Chelsea gradually grew into the game and equalised in the 35th minute. Enzo Fernandez picked out Malo Gusto with a superb cross-field pass, and Gusto’s low delivery across goal was calmly finished by Joao Pedro.
The visitors completed the turnaround in first-half stoppage time. Fernandez slipped a precise through ball into Joao Pedro’s path, and the Brazilian lifted the ball over Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez with composure.
Chelsea extended their lead 10 minutes into the second half. Reece James’ cross was parried by Martinez into the path of Cole Palmer, who fired home from the edge of the area.
Joao Pedro completed his hat-trick midway through the second half, finishing into an empty net after good work from Palmer and Alejandro Garnacho to seal a dominant performance.
The win moves Chelsea up to fifth place in the Premier League standings with 48 points, boosting their UEFA Champions League hopes, while Aston Villa remain fourth with 51 points.
(ANI)