| Newcastle | 2-1 | Aston Villa |
| (1-1) | ||
| Ba 30 | Keane 45 | |
| Cisse 70 | ||
Newcastle United pushed themselves up to fifth place – level on points with Chelsea, who are fourth, if only for an hour or two – in the Barclays Premier League, by defeating Aston Villa 2-1 at St James’ Park on Sunday 5th February 2012.
Goals from Senegalese pair Demba Ba and Papiss Demba Cisse were enough to give Newcastle three points, despite Robbie Keane equalising for Villa just before half time.
A very even match in terms of possession and attacking opportunities was decided by a wonderful strike from Newcastle newcomer, Cisse, who controlled a ball from Gutierez before slamming home a volley from just inside the area, making an immediate return on the £10 million Necastle have spent on him.
Demba Ba had put Toon in front, showing why they had missed him so much in January, by tapping home from close range on the half hour mark, before the on loan Robbie Keane got the visitors back on level terms with a similarly simple put-away.
But the stage was set for Ba’s Senegal compatriot, Cisse to make an impression on the Magpies, and he certainly achieved that with his 70th minute wonderstrike. More like this will quickly see him a hero around these parts.
Newcastle rose to fifth place, with Chelsea and Liverpool – above and below respectively – yet to play this weekend, though with Chelsea hosting Manchester United, and Liverpool entertaining Spurs, they could easily stay exactly where they are, too. Villa’s so-so season continues as they slide to 13th following wins for Swansea and Norwich this weekend.
