Howe relieved to see Toon back to their best in Villa win

Eddie Howe was delighted to see his 'elite' Newcastle team back to their best in an impressive 3-1 win at high-flying Aston Villa.

The Magpies lost four straight Premier League fixtures prior to their winter break but roared back to form in style by inflicting a first home loss of the season on their jaded hosts.

A first-half double from defender Fabian Schaar was followed by an Alex Moreno own goal after the break, with Ollie Watkins' first goal in six outings only reducing the hosts' arrears.

The result left Howe both encouraged and frustrated given his side remain 11 points behind fourth-placed Villa despite their success.

He said: "It was mixed emotions for me because that team is an elite team. 

"The mixed part is that we haven't seen that for a number of weeks. We looked much like ourselves and we have players coming back now.

"Our game plan was to be aggressive and stop their rhythm. We did that well in the first half. 

"They play a high line and we used that well. We had to adjust our plan when they got the goal but the players saw it out well. 

"When you're coaching a team, you want them to play how you see the game. That has been there but it's been frustrating. 

"Today I saw the team and the identity we're looking for."

The one negative of the evening for Newcastle was the sight of key forward Alexander Isak limping off injured in the first period.

Howe said: "We don't really know. It looks like a slight groin injury. Hopefully we get him back sooner rather than later.

"We know every game is so tough in the Premier League and we will look to use this game to push on now. The only disappointment today is [the injury to] Alex."

The Toon host Luton — fresh off their shock 4-0 hammering of Brighton — on Saturday afternoon, while Villa visit struggling Sheffield United in the day's late kick-off.