Spurs’ Ange Postecoglou can learn a thing or two from Newcastle’s manager Eddie Howe.

A few weeks ago Newcastle was in 12th spot in the EPL and a European spot just was not in the cards. In fact the team from up north seem to be going backward and seem unlikely to build on their early promise a couple of seasons ago.

Howe went away and came up with a new strategy, recalibrating his team with Sandro Tonali proving sensational in midfield.

The force is now strong and it is difficult for teams to get a result at St James Park now.

Aston Villa turned up at Boxing Day and were looking for a result but the form book said underwise.

It took just 81 seconds for Newcastle to secure the lead with Anthony Gordon scoring from 18 yards.

It was going to be a long afternoon for Aston Villa’s boss the Spaniard Unai Emery.

He had a bigger headache when John Duran got a red card later in the first half for stepping on Scar’s spine although many said the decision was a bit harsh.

In the 59th minute, the Swede Alexander Isak scored Newcastle’s second goal and Villa’s spirit was broken. St James Park was in fine voice on Boxing Day and things are looking up for the new year.

Jamaica’s Leon Bailey came on in the 69th minute. He has not had a good season so far and has been plagued by injuries. Villa is yet to see the best of him and next year he must focus on making an impact. 

Joeltinon compounded Aston Villa’s misery, bending the ball into the top corner in extra time giving Newcastle a deserved 3-0 victory which now sees them winning four games in a row; now moving up to fifth in the table, above Manchester City.

As for Aston Villa, they slip to ninth and have a lot to do to recover that early promise.