‘I don’t know why’: Gary Neville says two Newcastle players were not working hard enough against Aston Villa

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Newcastle United picked up a valuable three points yesterday against Aston Villa, as a Kieran Trippier free-kick was enough to take a huge victory at St James’ Park.

The Magpies had to work hard for the win in the end but managed to cling on against Steven Gerrard’s side. Villa, in Gerrard’s own words, were under par and nowhere near the level the former Liverpool midfielder wants from his team.

For Newcastle, it was three on the bounce and there seems to be a good feeling around the club. Some of their bigger players are turning up and the January signings seem to have bedded in well.

However, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has said that while being impressed by Newcastle, he did have a concern over the defensive displays of two players yesterday.

“I thought they were in a bit of trouble at the start of the second half. I thought Cash down the right and Digne down the left were causing them real problems. I don’t know why Saint Maximin and Fraser started to cheat a little bit and not go back with them. They got it sorted and the big moment in the game was that offside,” Neville told his Sky Sports Podcast.

The biggest blow of the entire day, though, came in the form of Trippier’s injury. The full-back is expected to miss a big period of the season with a broken foot.

TBR’s View: Newcastle Need To Be Careful

On another day, a Villa team at its best probably beats Newcastle here. As Gerrard said, they were just not quite at it when they needed to be.

Neville’s point on Saint-Maximin and Fraser is a good one. They need to ensure they’re doing their defensive duties as well or it could cost the team. Better teams will certainly expose it.

For now, though, the main thing for the Toon Army is they’re winning games. And at the end of the day, that’s all that will matter come May.