Aston Villa vs Newcastle United

1. 90'

   Final whistle goes and for a second weekend in a row Newcastle draw a blank. It had looked like Villa were going to run wild until Newcastle were reduced to 10 men and decided to dig in for all they were worth. A performance full of character from the visitors and an opportunity wasted for David O'Leary's men. Liverpool the winners then today as they remain in fourth, but with these two still on their heels. 0-0 the final score

2. 90'

   No one able to get a foot on it in the tense last couple of minutes. When Samuel finally does his deep cross is too long for everyone except Given

3. 90'

   Given, who has been warned several times through the game, finally gets a caution for time wasting at goal kicks

4. 89'

   Three minutes of injury time to be added on

5. 88'

   A wayward back pass from Woodgate once more makes Given work as he scuttles out of his box to clear ahead of Vassell

6. 87'

   Substitution for Villa. Liam Ridgwell gets on for the final few minutes due to an injury to Ronny Johnsen

7. 86'

   The nerves are janggling now. An awkward back pass from Dyer sees Given spoon the ball high up into the sky and requires Woodgate to come back and help him out

8. 85'

   Shearer gets well above Johnsen to meet a left wing corner and drive the ball down towards the goal line. Sorensen is well positioned though and holds the ball to his chest

9. 84'

   Given earns his corn again by plucking a ball out of the air in the middle of a crowd of players

10. 83'

    Good spel of Villa pressure. De la Cruz refuses to give up a lost cause and forces Bernard into a mistake that earns another corner

11. 82'

    Ball swung over and cleared just to Hendry on the edge of the area. Instant control and shot has half the crowd celebrating a goal but it is just to outside side netting that ripples. Unlucky

12. 81'

    Given has to play it safe after a Vassell cross looks to be falling under his bar. Allback is lurking with intent so the Newcastle keeper just puts it over his bar

13. 80'

    The fractious nature of the game over the last 10 minutes goes to show just how important this match is to both sets of players

14. 79'

    Bridges is dispossessed by Samuel down by the Villa corner flag. In an effort to win it back he lashes out at Samuel and he is now shown a yellow card

15. 78'

    Villa break after Allback pounces on the ball and heads up field. Vassell in support adds more pace and Newcastle are back peddling. Thankfully for them though, there are enough black and white shirts to quell the danger

16. 77'

    Allm the waiting around and quiet words from the ref calm things down and Bowyer's free kick in the end is poor

17. 75'

    Bernard looks to exagerate a little clash with De la Cruz. Gets past him and then falls over his leg. Free kick given in a dangerous position. While the wall is being built there is still more handbags in the box

18. 74'

    A real atmosphere now and the tackles continue to fly. The latest to exchange angry looks are Bridges and Whittingham

19. 73'

    Speed and Hendry clash again, a minute after being talked to. Initially a great challenge and then his arm gets in Hendry's face. hendry makes a meal of it and Speed gets booked. Hendry really is a nasty little player

20. 71'

    Touch paper has been lit. Plenty of litle spats going on - the one taking the referee's attention is a little bit of handbags between Hendry and Speed. Something and nothing

21. 70'

    Now Shearer is in trouble. A nasty, frustrated kick at the back of Melleberg's legs earns him a yellow card. Well deserved

22. 69'

    Bowyer once more in the middle of controversy. gets forward well and then throws himself over Mellberg's outstretched leg looking for a foul. The referee is not fooled and Mellberg is angry

23. 67'

    Villa substitution: Peter Whittingham comes on in place of Solano

24. 66'

    Johnsen this time breaks forward from the back. He finds Solano about 20 yards out in space. Picks his spot but doesn't hit it. Shot five yards wide in the end

25. 65'

    Wonderful chance for the home side. Mellberg surged forward before giving Barry the chance to pick out Allback on the penalty spot. Directed his header towards goal but the contact was not good and it was never going to beat Given

Leaders

AVLNEW

Total Shots

Nolberto Solano

2

Alan Shearer

3

Saves

Thomas Sorensen

5

Shay Given

4