Aston Villa 1-1 Newcastle United - Match Report

(P.S. €“ I am a Newcastle United fan, so as always my match reports are bias and for the like minded);Aston Villa and Newcastle United remain undefeated this season as the two sides played out an entertaining draw at Villa Park in the Premier League this afternoon. The home side had edged the first half after scoring early through a tenacious Gabby Agbonlahor goal on the quarter of a hour mark, his follow up effort from 10 yards beating Tim Krul. But Newcastle would dominate the second period and replied just before the hour mark, Leon Best scoring his third goal of the season from close range before Yohan Cabaye came close to giving the visitors the victory in the dying minutes. It would be former Newcastle favourite Shay Given, playing against The Magpies for the first time since he left the club who made a string of great saves to keep Villa in it, most notably a stretching one handed stop from a powerful and swerving half volley from Man of the Match Cabaye. He also saved well in the first half from Obertan's cross-shot and former team-mate Steven Taylor's effort (who similarly had another fine game today) and was unlucky to concede to Best after saving his initial header but being unable to keep out his follow up. Villa also missed chances, most glaringly Darren Bent who looked to have an almost open net from eight yards as Taylor gave the ball away and Krul was scrambling but he couldn't get the accuracy or the pace, and Taylor was able to push it wide. Agbonhlahor, who looked lively all afternoon, also nearly scored in the second half when his effort just went wide. In the end a draw seemed a fair result as both sides advantaged either halves but the visitors will probably be happier, picking up another point away from home at a ground they haven't had much luck this season. And The Geordies will be delighted to see how much energy Cabaye showed throughout the game and how accurate his passing distribution, crossing and shooting was... along with the two aforementioned efforts he also scared the life out of Given with a 25 yarder that rebounded off the bar. He was sensational today and the Frenchman looks like he could be an important player for Newcastle this term as he now accommodate himself to the pace of the league. Match ratings for Newcastle; Krul 6, R Taylor 7, Coloccini 6, S Taylor 7, Simpson 6, Jonas 5, Tiote 7, Cabaye 9, Obertan 6, Best 6, Ba 5