Source: Daily_Mail
Aston Villa 1 Newcastle 0: Young 'dive' storm as Villa edge clear of relegation zone
Ashley Young found himself at the heart of a new diving row after a disputed free-kick brought Gerard Houllier's side three points.[LNB]The England international, whose reputation has been tarnished while on duty for his country, wasaccused of cheating by Joey Barton as Villa clawed themselves clear of immediate relegation trouble.[LNB]Young, who was booked for simulation against Montenegro last October, was in the spotlight again following the pivotal 24th-minute incident.[LNB] Heads I win: Collins wheels away after heading Villa in front[LNB] [LNB]The winger went to ground over Barton's outstretched leg near the left touchline and referee StuartAttwell awarded a free-kick. But Newcastle captain Barton gestured that Young had dived and made his feelings clear to the official. His frustration was compounded as Young then delivered an inswinging cross that was glanced into the net by James Collins.'Young's the most-fouled player in the division,' claimed Newcastle manager Alan Pardew. [LNB]'We said before the game, 'You touch him, he goes down'.[LNB] Villan of the piece: Collins gets in front of the Newcastle defence to nod his side into the lead[LNB] [LNB]'I think that's what was in Joey's mind because we had talked about it beforehand. I don't think it was a free-kick, let's put it that way. Joey is going to argue decisions and make his opinion felt if he feels he has been wronged. I don't see anything wrong with that.'Villa manager Houllier countered: 'The thing with Ashley is that he is like an eel. He is so tricky, but itwas definitely a free-kick. He didn't go down. The fourth official confirmed it was a free-kick as well.'[LNB] Eyes on the prize: Barton battles with Agbonlahor as under fire manager Houllier looks on[LNB] [LNB]Barton dodged the matter, saying with a smile: 'I think I've said enough this week, don't you?' areference to his earlier comments on Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry.[LNB]It was not the only issue he swerved. Villa substitute Nigel Reo-Coker waited for the midfieldernear the tunnel over an incident between the pair minutes before the whistle that ended in a cautionfor Barton. However, after throwing his shirt to a young Newcastle supporter, Barton was last off thepitch and Reo-Coker was ushered down the tunnel before any further trouble broke out.[LNB]It was a nervous afternoon, but considering Villa kicked off only two points out of the drop zone, itwas only to be expected.[LNB]Newcastle were hit by Shola Ameobi 's withdrawal with a knee injury. It added to a casualty list of eight. Three were suspended and Stephen Ireland was ineligible due to the loan agreement between the clubs. [LNB] No way through: Despite several excellent chances, Newcastle failed to capitalise[LNB]MATCH FACTS Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel 7; Walker 5 (Cuellar 78min, 6), Collins 8, Dunne 7, L Young 6; Downing 6, Petrov 7, Makoun 6 (Reo-Coker 67), A Young 7; Agbonlahor 6(Pires 86), Bent 6. Subs not used: Marshall, Albrighton, Heskey, Clark.Booked: Petrov, Cuellar.[LNB]Newcastle United (4-4-2): Harper 7; Simpson 6, S Taylor 6 (R Taylor 63, 6), Williamson 6, Enrique 8; Barton 7, Guthrie 6, Coloccini 6, Gutierrez 6;Lovenkrands 6, Ranger 5 (Kuqi 83).Subs not used: Krul, Ferguson,Donaldson, Tavernier, Richardson.Booked: Williamson, Barton.[LNB]Man of the match: James Collins.Referee: Stuart Attwell 7.Attendance: 37,090.[LNB]Nile Ranger shouldered the burden but despite the lack in numbers, Newcastle still started more brightly and were just beginning to draw out the first few groans from the home fans when Collins grabbed the opener. [LNB]It has not been a good few weeks for the centre half. He was embroiled in a drunken fracas withRichard Dunne and then slipped at a crucial moment to allow Young of all people to earn a penalty for England during the Euro 2012 qualifier in Cardiff. But his goal gave him a surge of confidence and he did not put a foot wrong for the rest of the afternoon.[LNB]Newcastle striker Peter Lovenkrands should have done far better with Danny Guthrie's cross than to have seen it saved by Brad Friedel.[LNB]The American goalkeeper did better in injury time, Barton's pass setting the Dane through only for Friedel to block with his legs.[LNB]'There is still a lot of work to be done,' said a relieved Houllier.[LNB]'Don't forget in our last two games we play Liverpool and Arsenal.'[LNB] [LNB] LIVE: Aston Villa v Newcastle - how the action unfoldedYoung has a bite back at 'England's best midfielder' BartonPardew backs Barton to do talking on the pitch after naming star as captainAll the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinion All the latest Newcastle news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Ashley Young, Richard Dunne, Gerard Houllier, Joey Barton, Stuart Attwell, Danny Guthrie, Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard Places: Newcastle, Cardiff, Liverpool, Montenegro, United Kingdom
