Newcastle United were held to a 0-0 draw by 10-man Aston Villa in their Premier League season opener on Saturday, struggling in the absence of star striker Alexander Isak.

Isak, who is seeking a move to defending champions Liverpool, was left out of the squad. New signing Anthony Elanga provided flashes of danger down the right wing, but Newcastle failed to capitalize on their possession.

Villa played the final 24 minutes with 10 men after defender Ezri Konsa was sent off for pulling back Anthony Gordon as he broke clear on goal.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Manchester City visited Wolverhampton in the late fixture, while earlier matches featured Brighton vs. Fulham, Sunderland vs. West Ham, and Tottenham vs. Burnley. Burnley, Sunderland, and Leeds returned to the top flight this season. Europa League winners Tottenham entered their opener after a midweek defeat to Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup.

Isak to sit out Premier League opener for Newcastle as future remains uncertain

A minute’s silence was observed at Villa Park before kickoff in memory of former Liverpool and Wolves forward Diogo Jota. Similar tributes are being held at all Premier League matches this weekend. Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, died in a car crash in Spain last month. On Friday, Liverpool players and fans paid tributes at Anfield ahead of their 4-2 victory over Bournemouth, a match overshadowed by alleged racial abuse aimed at Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. Semenyo on Saturday thanked the football community for the support he received.

Source: Agency