Eddie Howe insists Newcastle an 'ELITE team' during 3-1 win over Aston Villa

Eddie Howe says Newcastle looked like an ‘elite team’ as they inflicted Aston Villa’s first home defeat of the season.

The Magpies had won only once away from home in the Premier League this term but were full value for a 3-1 triumph, secured thanks to a double from Fabian Schar and Alex Moreno’s own goal.

Alexander Isak’s withdrawal because of a groin issue was the only sour note, leaving Howe with no fit strikers given Callum Wilson’s current calf absence.

But the head coach was thrilled with his team’s performance, returning them to the European places.

‘We looked like an elite team that's capable of achieving great things,’ he said. ‘The mixed feeling is that we haven't really seen it (this season away from home.

‘The team, at points, has looked disjointed, but today we looked more like ourselves. It wasn’t just a big win, but a big performance. This was like us of last year. But we have to build on this now.’

Howe added: ‘Our game plan was to be aggressive and stop their rhythm, which we did in the first half. Also, to use our transitions and get in behind, knowing they play a high line. Fabian took his two goals brilliantly and he has that in him, he has great technical ability.’

Would Isak and Wilson’s absence force Newcastle into the transfer market before tomorrow’s deadline?

‘I expect us to be finished for the window,’ he said. ‘There’s very little time for us to do anything — either in or out. We don’t know the severity of Isak’s injury but hope it’s not too bad. But his injury isn’t likely to change things. I don’t think we have the ability to do that (sign someone).’

Meanwhile, Unai Emery was disappointed with his team’s sluggish start to the game.

‘The first half we didn't control the game like we wanted and they