35’
Kieran Trippier's second free-kick goal in as many matches earned Newcastle United a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at St James' Park.
The full-back struck from the edge of area in the 35th minute, his powerful strike beating Emiliano Martinez with the help of a deflection.
Villa's best first-half chance came in stoppage time, when a John McGinn effort deflected narrowly wide.
The match restarted in open fashion, Douglas Luiz's free-kick testing Martin Dubravka and a low Allan Saint-Maximin shot deflecting wide.
Villa thought they had equalised on the hour but Ollie Watkins was adjudged to have headed in from an offside position after a VAR review.
The visitors were unable to sufficiently test Dubravka in the final half-hour as Newcastle recorded a third straight victory.
Eddie Howe's team, in 17th, now have 21 points, four more than 18th-placed Norwich City who have played a match more. Villa drop to 12th with 27 points following Leicester City's draw with West Ham United.
See: Newcastle report | Aston Villa report
Next fixtures
Newcastle: 19 Feb v West Ham (A)
Aston Villa: 19 Feb v Watford (H)
Match officials
Referee: Craig Pawson. Assistants: Lee Betts, Ian Hussin. Fourth official: Mike Dean. VAR: Paul Tierney. Assistant VAR: James Mainwaring.
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