Welcome aboard the rollercoaster that is a rebuild in the Premier League. Before we begin, please ensure your seatbelt is securely fastened and keep hands, arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times. Newcastle and Aston Villa, who face each other live on Saturday Night Football, were two sides dismantled in the summer transfer window.
Teams with clear identities, forced into new eras. The Magpies, after also losing Eddie Howe, retained 70 per cent of their league minutes from last season, the fourth-lowest figure, while Villa made the biggest change at just 49 per cent. Now the two sides face off live on Sky Sports, with their form in the league to start the 2026/27 season fluctuating as a result of the upheaval they endured during the summer.
Here, Sky Sports dissects the turbulent time and outlines why more twists and turns are likely on the way. The departures of players like Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon are one thing - but Newcastle's rebuild stretches far beyond that. Howe announced his shock departure in pre-season, just under five years after taking charge and 25 days before the season began.
The club were then forced to look for a new face in the dugout while also filling gaps on the pitch. Matthias Jaissle was named as his successor and the early indications were positive. Newcastle went unbeaten across their opening five games but a 4-1 loss at Leeds United offered a worrying insight into what could be to come.
In their last two away trips they have lost by the same scoreline. The first time since 2012 that Newcastle have conceded four or more goals in back-to-back Premier League away games. The team look vulnerable defensively.
No side has conceded more goals (13) and Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher blamed the "lack of physicality" in the squad after the loss at Coventry City, claiming they were "beaten up" on the road again. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player In contrast, Villa started slowly without a league goal scored until the 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on September 12. Slow starts are not uncharted territory for Emery.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
