Alexander a great miss

ISAK'S ABSENCE FELT AS KONSA SENT OFF IN DRAB STALEMATE

- By John Richardson

IT was hard to know which hurt more for Newcastle - the missing Alexander Isak or the fact all three points went begging.

While the Swede went on strike as he tries to force a move to Liverpool, his teammates didn't show up where it mattered in front of goal.

And for the last 24 minutes plus added time, Eddie Howe's side enjoyed a one-man advantage with Villa defender Ezri Konsa sent off for denying Anthony Gordon a clear run at goal.

But gusty Villa hung on to extend their unbeaten home run to 22 games, stretching back to last August.