Maresca, who The Athletic revealed this week is high up on Manchester City’s list to replace Pep Guardiola if he leaves this summer, could barely believe what he was watching. Yet in the second period, the Italian’s side were transformed and stormed back to claim a point thanks to goals from Reece James and Joao Pedro.

Once Reece James whipped in a 25-yard free-kick in the 49th minute — as exquisite as his execution was, the Newcastle wall and Aaron Ramsdale never seemed comfortable with their respective positioning — the home side’s frustratingly familiar fragilities resurfaced.

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats as Aston Villa host Manchester United in the Premier League.