Newcastle held to goalless draw by Aston Villa

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Newcastle got a worrying glimpse of life without Alexander Isak as they were held to a 0-0 draw in their Premier League opener at Aston Villa despite Ezri Konsa’s dismissal.

Villa defender Konsa was sent off for a professional foul on Anthony Gordon midway through the second half on Saturday.

But Newcastle were unable to take advantage in a toothless display that showed why they are so desperate to keep hold of Isak.

The Sweden striker was not involved against Villa after reportedly telling the club he wants to leave to join Premier League champions Liverpool.

Isak, 25, was the subject of a rejected £110 million ($149 million) bid from Liverpool earlier this month.

“I don’t think we dominated, chance-wise, the way we wanted. We were maybe a little bit too anxious to score,” Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said.

“If you’re not totally together in the Premier League, you’re going to find it very difficult, but I think we answered a few questions today in terms of our spirit.”

Isak, who helped Newcastle secure Champions League qualification and end their 56-year trophy drought last season, is reportedly refusing to train or play in an effort to force his way out of the club he joined from Real Sociedad in 2022.

He did not take part in Newcastle’s pre-season tour, training alone at his former club in Spain instead.

Gordon led the line in Isak’s absence as the England winger started out of position in the centre of Newcastle’s three-man attack.

Anthony Elanga made his Newcastle debut after the winger’s £55 million ($74 million) move from Nottingham Forest, while Malick Thiaw, a defender signed from AC Milan, was among the substitutes.

Without Isak to power their attack, Newcastle were unable to make their territorial dominance count as Howe was left hoping for a swift resolution to the transfer saga, which could run until the window closes in September.

“From my perspective, you want a resolution quickly. It’s taking away the focus of the players and the supporters,” Howe said.

“We want to be united together. We’d like a resolution, but we’re not in control of that.”

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images

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