Sandro Tonali netted two goals as Newcastle United took advantage of Marco Bizot’s red card to secure a recovery victory at Aston Villa in an eventful FA Cup fourth-round fixture at Villa Park.
A match marked by disagreements regarding refereeing calls saw Tammy Abraham receive Douglas Luiz’s pass, putting Villa ahead in the 14th minute with a strike Newcastle believed should have been disallowed for offside.
What a hit from Sandro Tonali! 🚀⚽🔥
His second strike completes Newcastle’s comeback from a goal down to taking the lead against Aston Villa ⚫⚪💪 pic.twitter.com/cP0sROWt87
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 14, 2026
The goal was not examined due to the absence of Video Assistant Referee technology in the fourth round. Later, Lucas Digne was fortunate to be awarded a free-kick instead of a penalty for handling a Kieran Trippier cross, also avoiding a red card for a reckless challenge on Jacob Murphy.
There was less controversy when Villa goalkeeper Bizot rushed towards the halfway line and tackled Murphy during first-half injury time, setting the stage for Tonali to equalize for Newcastle with a deflected shot from outside the box in the 63rd minute.
Having netted his initial goal since May, Tonali downplayed Bruno Guimaraes’ absence due to ailment by scoring once more from distance in the 76th minute, before Nick Woltemade secured the Magpies’ advancement with two minutes remaining.
Justice for Newcastle? ⚫⚪
The Magpies wanted a penalty, but Sandro Tonali eventually scores anyway from the resulting free-kick! ⚽ pic.twitter.com/tADr63R6aC
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 14, 2026
Analysis: Villa vs Newcastle dispute in FA Cup
Supporters and experts frequently express disapproval of VAR, but this fixture was reminiscent of the past in its ability to generate alarm at calls lacking technological input.
Regarding Digne’s offense, which seemed distinctly within the penalty area, Manchester United’s highest scorer Wayne Rooney declared to BBC Sport that the ruling was “one of the worst I’ve ever seen in football.”
🗣 “If you ever needed any evidence of the damage VAR has done to the referees, today is a great example.”
🗣 “That decision is one of the worst decisions I’ve seen in football.”@waynerooney and @alanshearer speak about the decision to not to award Newcastle a penalty ❌ pic.twitter.com/MJvWmmbHT1
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 14, 2026
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer also expressed his astonishment, but the ex-England striker’s previous club have the significant comfort of anticipating the fifth round after two of their principal players regained their goal-scoring prowess.
“That will be beneficial for him,” ex-England midfielder Danny Murphy remarked to the BBC regarding Woltemade’s goal, concluding the Germany international’s 14-match stretch without a goal on his 24th birthday.
“It was a dreadful error from Villa. It all originated from an exquisite chipped pass from Tonali. I’m unaware of Villa’s strategy of intricate passing plays inside their box. It’s a wonderful [goal].”
🗣️ “He’s high, he’s late and it’s a very, very dangerous tackle.” @alanshearer says Lucas Digne was “lucky” to not be sent off 😲 pic.twitter.com/WWJs5dyoXR
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 14, 2026
Aston Villa initial lineup vs Newcastle
Villa effected seven alterations from their 1-0 triumph at home over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League last Wednesday.
Bizot, Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres, Digne, Ross Barkley, Leon Bailey and Abraham were new additions for the home side, who continued to be without Youri Tielemans, John McGinn, and Boubacar Kamara.
Andres Garcia was among the substitutes after recovering from an injury, but Matty Cash was likewise sidelined due to a knee issue, consequently Lamare Bogarde maintained his position at right-back, while Pau Torres and Lucas Digne played in the backline.
Aston Villa starting lineup: Marco Bizot, Lamare Bogarde, Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne, Leon Bailey, Amadou Onana, Ross Barkley, Douglas Luiz, Morgan Rogers, Tammy Abraham
Villa reserves: Emiliano Martinez, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Emiliano Buendia, Ollie Watkins, Andres Garcia, Jadon Sancho, Ian Maatsen, Mohamed Kone
Newcastle United complete roster vs Aston Villa
Newcastle introduced Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Hall, Tonali, Murphy, Woltemade and William Osula after their victory against Tottenham.
They lacked Joelinton, Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth, Guimaraes and Lewis Miley due to ailments.
Newcastle needed a penalty shootout to defeat Bournemouth at home in the third round following a 3-3 stalemate but advanced to the fifth round for the third successive season.
Howe’s team currently rank 10th in the Premier League and anticipate a challenging series of games in the upcoming weeks, including contests against Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, additionally an Champions League elimination play-off match against Qarabag.
Newcastle United starting lineup: Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall, Jacob Murphy, Jacob Ramsey, Nick Woltemade, Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, William Osula
Newcastle reserves: Nick Pope, Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga, John Ruddy, Joe Willock, Alex Murphy, Leo Shahar, Sean Neave, Park Seung-Soo
Aston Villa vs Newcastle statistics
- Villa had remained undefeated in their last three clashes with Newcastle (W2 D1)
- The Magpies had suffered defeat in 10 of their preceding 13 FA Cup away fixtures against Premier League opponents
- In five out of six instances when these squads have faced each other in this competition, the winners proceeded to claim the championship