Johan Manzambi came back to haunt Newcastle as his first-half goal was enough for Aston Villa to win 1-0 at St James' Park on Saturday Night Football.
The midfielder had agreed a deal to join the Magpies in the summer before a late bid saw him move to the Midlands instead, and he has impressed since making his debut.
He scored in the Champions League against Fernerbahce in midweek - on his 21st birthday - and continued his hot streak when he nodded home the only goal of the game in the 36th minute.
In conceding, Newcastle set a new club record of 16 successive games in all competitions in which they have failed to keep a clean sheet.
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It came shortly after a controversial moment when Sven Botman should have been sent off.
He was initially shown a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Nicolas Jackson, but VAR reviewed it for serious foul play. However, they decided not to upgrade the booking and Botman remained on the pitch.
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"If VAR can't see that's a red, we're in trouble," Sky Sports' Jamie Redknapp said at half-time. "It is so dangerous. How he's not broken his leg there... I like to see aggression. I want to see 50/50 tackles, but you can't do that anymore."
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However, Newcastle ultimately ended the first half with no shots on target. There were some better openings in the second half for the Magpies - including a wonderful save from Zion Suzuki to deny Botman - but that proved to be their only shot on target in a game where they lacked the final touch.
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Newcastle were loudly booed at both half-time and the final whistle as the team's stuttering start under Matthias Jaissle continued.
Aston Villa were also guilty of not finishing their chances but looked far more like the team Unai Emery wants. The three points sends them level on eight points with Newcastle and just a place behind.
More to follow...
The key moments from St James' Park
9: CHANCE! Jackson is through on goal but his shot goes straight at Lukas Hornicek.
18: YELLOWS! Joelinton and Botman are both booked for hefty challenges, with a VAR review for Botman's foul on Jackson.
20: NO RED! VAR do not see a clear and obvious error and Botman does not receive a red card.
29: CHANCE! Jackson has another chance to score, but his effort comes off Botman's backside.
35: GOAL! Manzambi rises high to nod home Gomes' cross for Villa's opener.
39: OFF THE POST! Emi Buendia almost makes it two for Aston Villa, but hits the post.
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49: HUGE SAVE! Botman's thunderous strike is pushed away by Suzuki's fingertips.
73: SAVE! From Hornicek this time as he pushes Ross Barkley's shot away.
What the result means and next fixtures...
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