Newcastle United’s 2025-26 Premier League season has begun in deeply frustrating fashion, as they were held to a goalless draw by a resilient 10-man Aston Villa at Villa Park. The result starkly highlighted the significant void left by the absence of their wantaway star striker, Alexander Isak.
Eddie Howe’s side were comfortably the better team for large periods of the match, particularly in a dominant first half, but were incredibly wasteful in front of goal. New summer signing Anthony Elanga spurned a golden one-on-one opportunity when his weak shot was saved, while Anthony Gordon also missed a clear chance, putting a free header over the bar from just six yards out.
The post-match analysis from fans and pundits was unanimous: these were exactly the sort of clear-cut chances that the absent Alexander Isak would have “gobbled up.” The Swedish international is currently refusing to play for the club as he continues his attempt to force a move to his preferred destination, Liverpool.
Newcastle were handed a huge numerical advantage in the 66th minute when Villa defender Ezri Konsa was shown a straight red card for a last-man foul on a goal-bound Anthony Gordon.
However, despite playing against 10 men for the final 25 minutes plus stoppage time, Newcastle still “lacked a goal threat” and were unable to break down the resolute and well-organised Villa defence. For the Magpies, the goalless draw will undoubtedly feel more like a defeat, as they will see it as two vital points dropped on the opening day.
This result is the first significant on-pitch consequence of the bitter standoff between Alexander Isak and the Newcastle board. The team’s clear failure to convert their dominance into goals without their clinical number nine will only intensify the immense pressure on the club to either resolve the situation with their star striker or accelerate their search for a replacement before the transfer window closes.