Newcastle hit five to make statement against Aston Villa

Newcastle produced a scintillating attacking performance to start the new Premier League season with a statement 5-1 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday Night Football.

In a thrilling first half at St James' Park, it was the tale of two debutants as midfielder Sandro Tonali opened the scoring for the hosts six minutes in before Moussa Diaby brought Aston Villa level five minutes later.

Alexander Isak found the net for the first time five minutes later to restore Newcastle's lead after an end-to-end opening to the game before he extended Eddie Howe's side

Callum Wilson added Newcastle's fourth in the 77th minutes before new signing Harvey Barnes' added-time goal rounded off a stunning opening day for Howe's team as they finished Saturday top of the table.

Meanwhile, it was a disappointing start for Unai Emery's Aston Villa, who lost defender Tyrone Mings to a significant injury in the first half. Villa never really recovered as defensive lapses proved costly as they suffered their biggest opening day defeat to leave Emery with plenty to ponder.