LONDON, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Newcastle was left frustrated failing to break down 10-man Aston Villa in a goalless draw on Saturday, with the absence of unsettled striker Alexander Isak proving costly.
Villa were reduced to 10 men for the final 24 minutes plus stoppage time after Ezri Konsa was sent off for hauling down Anthony Gordon, but the Magpies could not capitalise on their advantage.
In the absence of Isak, who is pushing for a move to Liverpool, Anthony Elanga and Gordon carried the main threat.
Elanga, a 55 million-pound (about 75 million US dollars) summer signing, was denied by debutant goalkeeper Marco Bizot inside three minutes, while Gordon headed over from close range. The makeshift central forward tested Bizot again, but Newcastle's dominance before the break went unrewarded.
Villa, who failed to register a shot in the first half, improved after the interval. Boubacar Kamara and Ollie Watkins both forced saves from Nick Pope, before Konsa's dismissal shifted the momentum.
Despite late pressure, Eddie Howe's side could not find a breakthrough, leaving them to settle for one point. ■
