Have Aston Villa cracked the code?
In an era where xG is so prevalent, Unai Emery’s clinical team have scored 13 goals from outside the penalty area in the Premier League this season – the most of any side in the competition.
Emiliano Buendia’s opener was the latest in a long line of sensational strikes.
The forward collected the ball, following a deft lay-off from Morgan Rogers, and Newcastle players stood off him, almost imploring him to shoot from distance, which always felt a risky strategy given his record.
Buendia certainly did not need a second invitation.
He had the split second he needed to look up, pick his spot and fire his side in front as the Villa supporters up in the gods repeatedly sang his name.
But Villa also hurt Newcastle from inside the box.
Ollie Watkins will soon have increased competition from striker Tammy Abraham, who is set to complete a move from Besiktas, and you suspect he will relish that challenge.
Nick Pope may have foiled him twice previously, but Watkins eventually found a way through to power a bullet header past the Newcastle goalkeeper.
Villa are capable of scoring all types of goals – and that’s what makes them so dangerous as they responded in style after losing in the Premier League at home to Everton last week.
