TONALI'S AT THE DOUBLE

Toon come from behind as ace of brace Sandro seals victory

- BY IAN BAKER

Murphy led to Newcastle’s second-half recovery with two goals from Sandro Tonali and one for Nick Woltemade after Tammy Abraham had set Villa on course.

It meant an early exit for Unai Emery’s side, who have not won a major trophy since 1996, after a night of VAR-less officiating.

Villa and Newcastle have been among England's elite for years winning the FA Cup 13 times between them - but neither have lifted it since the Fifties.

Both Emery and Toon boss Eddie Howe rang the changes here, significantly for the visitors, skipper Bruno Guimaraes was starting two months out with a hamstring injury, and his side’s record without him is not too sparkling - failing to win a league game in his absence since 2022.

But this is the FA Cup and an increased allocation for away fans at Villa Park generated a feisty atmosphere.