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.

Tino Livramento is a doubt to face his old club Saturday after being forced off with a knee injury in the midweek win over Fulham, with Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and – potentially – Lewis Hall all sidelined.

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

The Blues’ final match before Christmas is one of the most testing away trips of the league season, and they will again have Liam Delap and Estevao unavailable. Both could be ready for their next match against Aston Villa on December 27 but remain sidelined for Newcastle.

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.