FA Cup: Tonali double seals Newcastle comeback win over Aston Villa

Sandro Tonali scored twice as Newcastle United fought back to beat 10-man Aston Villa in a dramatic FA Cup fourth-round tie at Villa Park.

The visitors overturned a controversial first-half deficit to secure progression, despite a series of decisions that angered manager Eddie Howe’s side in a match played without VAR.

Controversy and red card

Villa took the lead in the 14th minute when Tammy Abraham converted Douglas Luiz’s free-kick. Newcastle players protested, believing Abraham had been offside when he collected the ball, but referee Chris Kavanagh allowed the goal to stand.

Further frustration followed when Lucas Digne handled Kieran Trippier’s cross inside the penalty area, with the referee awarding only a free-kick on the edge of the box.

Villa’s situation worsened in first-half stoppage time when goalkeeper Marco Bizot was sent off.

The Dutchman rushed out and brought down Jacob Murphy with a high challenge just inside his own half, leaving the referee with little option but to issue a red card.

Tonali turns tie around

Newcastle capitalised on their numerical advantage in the second half. From the free-kick awarded after the earlier handball incident, substitute goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez parried Trippier’s delivery into Tonali’s path, and the midfielder’s strike from distance deflected into the net in the 63rd minute.

Thirteen minutes later, Tonali struck again, unleashing a powerful long-range effort that left Martinez with no chance.

Nick Woltemade added a third late on, ending his 14-match goal drought on his 24th birthday and sealing an impressive turnaround.