Konsa sent off for Villa - first Premier League red of season

Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa fouls Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United in the incident that led to his red card dismissal (Illustrative image) (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images) Getty Images

Ezri Konsa received the first red card of the new Premier League season during Aston Villa's opening clash against Newcastle United. The Villa defender brought down Anthony Gordon when the Newcastle winger was running through on goal following a superb pass from Anthony Elanga.

Referee Craig Pawson showed no hesitation in displaying the straight red card for denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. The decision was checked and confirmed by VAR, with the Premier League Match Centre explaining that Konsa's dismissal for "denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO) was checked and confirmed by VAR."

Expert verdict on decision

Ally McCoist had a perfect view of the incident from the commentary box and supported the referee's decision. "Oh dear me," he began on TNT Sports when taking another look at the decision. "It's brilliant from Newcastle on the counter and it's a lovely ball from Elanga weighted perfectly."

"I am just wondering the way that comes Fletch, could he (Konsa) have let him take it...it looks as though he (Gordon) is going to take it with his right foot perhaps away from the goal," McCoist continued. "He's definitely going to take it with his right foot, he's going to get a finish off of some description so you take your chance. He's brought him down, red card and no option from the referee. I am just wondering if he actually had to do it. I am not so sure."

Suspension consequences

Konsa will miss Villa's next match away to Brentford due to the dismissal. The defender will be available again for Villa's home fixture against Crystal Palace, assuming the red card is not overturned on appeal.

The sending-off forced immediate tactical changes for Villa. Boubacar Kamara dropped back into central defence alongside Tyrone Mings to shore up the backline.

Match dynamics

Newcastle dominated the early proceedings despite their disappointing pre-season campaign. The Magpies had failed to win any of their six summer friendlies, contrasting sharply with Villa's positive preparation.

Villa debutant Marco Bizot was kept busy in goal, making several saves as he replaced Emiliano Martinez for the season opener. GBNews reports that Alexander Isak was notably absent from Newcastle's squad amid ongoing transfer interest from Liverpool.

Sources used: "Chronicle Live", "GBNews" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.