Matty Cash admits Aston Villa are ‘really disappointed’ after losing at Newcastle United on Sunday as the Villans did not offer enough in either half, via quotes by the Express & Star.
The right-back concedes Steven Gerrard’s side particularly lacked ideas during the opening 45-minutes on Tyneside. The Magpies broke the deadlock through Kieran Trippier’s free-kick late in the first-half before spurning a plethora of chances to stretch their advantage.
Newcastle especially enjoyed success against Aston Villa full-backs Cash and Lucas Digne as their positioning created vast space in behind. The pair often pushed on but by helping out in attack, allowed Ryan Fraser and Allan Saint-Maximin to be the Toon’s main threats.
Only Digne (9) attempted more crosses than Fraser (8) for either side at St James’ Park. Yet the Frenchman only found a claret-and-blue shirt once, whereas Fraser linked with a Toon teammate four times. Saint-Maximin also made a game-high four dribbles, per SofaScore.
Additionally, Newcastle enjoyed two shots on target to Aston Villa’s one despite taking 10 shots to 11 in total. The Magpies also enjoyed less of the ball with just 37% possession, as Dan Burn enjoyed a debut to remember and Ollie Watkins offered a downbeat demeanour.
Cash admits Aston Villa are ‘disappointed’ after ‘really bad’ performance
Cash concedes the demeanour throughout the Aston Villa squad is one of angst after losing at Newcastle in such fashion. Now, the £16m signing from Nottingham Forest in 2020 feels Gerrard and his side must reset to produce a response at home to Watford on Saturday.
“It was very disappointing,” Cash said. “I thought first half we were really bad. Second-half, we came out and played a little bit better football, but we didn’t really do much.
“We’re really disappointed. It’s back to the drawing board and working hard this week to try and put things right next week.”
As well as the manner of Aston Villa’s performance, Newcastle marked their sixth loss in 13 matches under Gerrard in all competitions so far. They have also only won one of their last six Premier League games after winning four of their first six after the 41-year-old’s arrival.
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