Newcastle end Villa run

Last updated : 03 November 2008 By Tom Vickers

Villa couldn't keep up their impressive recent form as two Obafemi Martins goals gave Newcastle victory at St James' Park.
The Claret and Blue had dominated the early stages as Martin Laursen headed against the post and Gabby Agbonlahor missed the ball from six yards out.
After three good wins against Ajax, Wigan and Blackburn, Villa went into the game on a high but as minutes ticked by they looked more and more deflated.
After a first half during which Villa should have taken the lead, Newcastle began to control the game.
Martins fired in after turning Laursen and the Nigerian then made the game safe with another good finish.
Villa may blame tiredness, but with a tricky trip to Prague just three days away they can ill afford to let their minds slip.
Martin O'Neill may choose to rotate the squad for that fixture but in truth he has few options especially if he hopes to at least get a point on the continent.
Stiliyan Petrov may be back to bolster the midfield but the element that must return to the side is desire.
After going a goal behind, Villa looked dejected and it appeared as though they had almost given up.
This may shock fans after recent performances and they must now prove their commitment once again.
The recent performance against Blackburn was poor but the team came through. This was a different story.
There was little creative spark or energy that usually typifies Villa away from home and with a point needed against Slavia Prague the likes of John Carew will be called upon to shoulder the burden.
All top teams know how to pick themselves up from defeat and Villa now have to prove that they are one of those top teams.