England will play matches against Austria and Italy during a training camp in Spain next month, the Football Association has announced.
Both games will take place at the Estadio Nuevo Mirador in Algeciras, with the Lionesses facing Austria on February 23 before taking on Italy four days later.
Sarina Wiegman’s side were last in action in December when they saw their bid to reach the Nations League semi-finals – and secure a Paris Olympics place for Great Britain – end despite winning 6-0 against Scotland at Hampden Park.
The February double-header of friendlies comes ahead of the Euro 2025 qualifying draw taking place on March 5, and that campaign getting under way in April.
Wiegman, who earlier this month signed a contract extension running to the 2027 World Cup, said in a statement from the FA: “This will be our kick-off to get ready for the Euro qualifying campaign beginning in April, so there’s no time to waste in February.
“Heading to Spain with hopefully warmer weather and great facilities will allow us to maximise every minute together. Playing two games against good opposition in Austria and Italy, should be excellent preparation for another big year ahead.
“They are two good and different opponents who will want to start the year strong too, so it will be important to come together again as a team and use these games to prepare for the qualification matches starting in April.”
Reigning European champions and World Cup runners-up England will be joined in Marbella by Emma Coates’ Under-23s, who are set to play matches against Spain and the Netherlands.
Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes was left “even more disappointed” when he questioned Scottish Football Association referee chief Crawford Allan about Corrie Ndaba’s red card.
With the home side leading 2-1 against Hibernian on Saturday, Ndaba was sent off for a challenge on Jair Tavares, with referee Grant Irvine upgrading his yellow to red after being advised by VAR Nick Walsh to consult the pitch side monitor.
McInnes’s frustration was compounded when Hibees substitute Myziane Maolida fired in a late equaliser to salvage a point for the visitors.
The Killie boss spoke to Allan, head of referee operations at the SFA, but was not satisfied with what he heard.
“I was disappointed at the time (of the sending off) and that is still the case,” said McInnes, who revealed Robbie Deas had an operation on a fractur to his cheekbone on Monday sustained against Dundee which keeps him out for “the next few weeks”.
“I had a conversation with the refereeing department on Monday and I was even more disappointed after that conversation because of the take on it. His explanation was, the justification for the red card.
“They felt the decision was right, rather than a mistake.
“We totally disagreed on the reasons. Without going into it too much, it was more the exiting of the tackle but at least we had the conversation.
“My feeling is that we have to remind ourselves and re-set what VAR was brought in for.
“It has affected what happened on Saturday because it potentially cost us two extra points because we could have won the game, no guarantees of course but it affects us the next two games with Corrie being suspended.
“The referee is three yards away, he is in the heat of the battle and he’s seen it for what it was, a yellow card. I didn’t think it was a yellow card.
“I will say to you what I said to Crawford Allan and there is no one who will tell me any differently.
“If Corrie gets yellow carded and the game gets played out, there is no one from the Hibs end, or the media, commenting that it was a ridiculous decision, why didn’t VAR get involved, why wasn’t it a red card? I think they have made it a thing by getting involved.
“Let the referee referee the game. He’s seen it for what it was. Give the referees more autonomy and more responsibility.
“I think it was wrong for VAR to get involved. We haven’t appealed it. I didn’t think there was any real point.”
On potential signings before the transfer window closes on Thursday, McInnes said: “We may still look to add one if we can but certainly no one leaving.”
Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes expects Barry Robson to “bounce back” after being dismissed as Aberdeen boss.
The 45-year-old has departed the Granite City club along with his coaching staff following Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Dundee at Pittodrie.
Robson, initially installed as caretaker boss last January, led the Dons to a third-placed finish last season and qualification for the Europa Conference League, and took them to the Viaplay Cup final this season only to lose to Rangers.
However, he managed only one win in his last five league games in charge which leaves the Dons eighth in the cinch Premiership table.
Former Aberdeen manager McInnes, who signed former midfielder Robson for Aberdeen and subsequently appointed him to his coaching staff, said: “Disappointed as always.
“I think Barry earned the right for the job, during his time as caretaker when Aberdeen were searching for a manager.
“With the more results Barry got, I don’t think anyone was too surprised he got the job.
“He did well last season, he has had to contend with a lot this season, none more so than when the heat comes on and the results aren’t what is expected.
“He had to deal with that so it is extremely disappointing for Barry, he’s a pal and I speak to him regularly. Just prior to this time last year he was an Under-18s manager.
“But he has managed to gain a lot of experience as a first-team manager, he has managed in a cup final, managed in Europe, so he has gained a lot from it.
“My initial thoughts are for Barry and hopefully he will take the good from the experience and move on to his next opportunity when it comes along.
“He has so many good qualities and he will bounce back.”
Premier League clubs have largely kept their powder dry in this transfer window but could there be a flurry of activity on deadline day?
Here the PA news agency takes a look at what could go through before the top-flight window in England closes at 11pm on February 1.
Could Rashford make a shock move?
England forward Marcus Rashford is under the microscope again following his alleged hijinks in Belfast last week, which led to internal disciplinary measures being taken by Manchester United.
While United say they have drawn a line under the matter, Rashford is not as settled under Erik ten Hag as he might once have been.
Any departure from Old Trafford in the next day or so would still be regarded as a major surprise but Paris St Germain are reportedly keeping tabs on United’s homegrown 26-year-old.
Chelsea offloading before buying?
Conor Gallagher has been an integral part of Mauricio Pochettino’s side this season but with just 18 months left on his contract and no sign of an extension, the England midfielder has been linked with a switch to Tottenham.
Fulham and Wolves are said to be tracking another of Chelsea’s academy products in Armando Broja.
But lightening the books could allow the Blues to follow up reported interest in Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran and Newcastle forward Callum Wilson as well as Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies.
Newcastle keeping busy
Newcastle were expected to be one of the biggest movers but they are having to juggle the restrictions imposed by profit and sustainability and financial fair play rules with a desire to strengthen.
Indeed, boss Eddie Howe said this week it was “impossible” to add to their squad without selling first.
Kieran Trippier, Miguel Almiron and Bruno Guimaraes have all been linked with moves abroad but Newcastle have managed to resist any overtures thus far and will hope there are no major departures on Thursday.
Blades want cutting edge defender
Rock-bottom Sheffield United have brought in Chile striker Ben Brereton Diaz and former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Ivo Grbic this month but manager Chris Wilder wants someone experienced to bolster his backline.
The Blades have shipped 54 goals in 22 matches – by far the worst record in the league – and Wilder says the club is working “frantically” to get something over the line before the window shuts.
Hammers go for Jota
With Said Benrahma reportedly close to sealing a move to Ligue 1 club Lyon, West Ham could target former Celtic winger Jota to shore up the wing.
The Portuguese only swapped the Hoops for the Saudi Pro League last summer but has been heavily linked with a return to the UK.
However, David Moyes’ side could meet resistance from Al-Ittihad given Jota has been in Saudi Arabia for just six months.
Chelsea’s potential outgoings could dominate transfer deadline day with speculation over Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja’s futures at the club yet to subside.
West London rivals Fulham have been linked to Broja over the last few days of the January window, while England midfielder Gallagher has been linked with a move to Tottenham throughout the month.
Spurs have been one of the busier clubs in a seemingly quieter January transfer window so far, with Radu Dragusin and Timo Werner arriving in north London, but head coach Ange Postecoglou suggested on Tuesday it would be “unlikely” to see any more signings
Financial services firm Deloitte suggested that clubs’ desire to avoid tough sanctions for financial rule breaches could be a factor in a general drop in Premier League transfer spending this month, but did not rule out a “late flurry” of activity before the 11pm deadline on Thursday.
Aston Villa have been active in the final stages of the window, with winger Morgan Rogers expected to join from Middlesbrough in a deal worth £16million.
Forward Jhon Duran has been linked with Chelsea, while Unai Emery is also keen to keep hold of Jacob Ramsey, who has been linked with Tottenham and Bayern Munich.
Speaking about the midfielder at a press conference on Monday, Emery said: “Jacob Ramsey is a very important player. He grew up in the academy and his progression is getting better.
“His level is increasing a lot and I want to keep him here with us. Of course, there are movements (speculation) around him.
“Maybe there are teams involved in the possibility to sign him because he has a big, big potential at Villa and in England. I want to keep him here, 100 per cent.”
Newcastle were another club linked with Ramsey, but Eddie Howe insisted on Monday that the Magpies had made no approach for the 22-year-old.
Howe added he is determined to keep his squad “intact” amid speculation over the futures of Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron throughout the window.
After securing Kalvin Phillips on loan, Portuguese winger Jota is reportedly a target for West Ham to replace Algeria winger Said Benrahma, who is likely to leave before deadline day.
Pablo Fornals could be another player to leave the Hammers and he is reportedly close to sealing a move to Real Betis.
Brighton have been linked with a move for Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, but Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi remains tight-lipped about the speculation.
“I don’t know anything about him (personally); I know him as a player,” he said.
“He has great quality but it’s not my business speaking about other players, especially because (Foxes boss) Enzo Maresca is my friend and I want to be correct with him.”
There could be activity towards the bottom end of the Premier League table as Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder admitted the club will be working “frantically” to improve their squad before Thursday, while Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo is also hoping to bring in reinforcements.
Chelsea’s potential outgoings could dominate transfer deadline day with speculation over Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja’s futures at the club yet to subside.
West London rivals Fulham have been linked to Broja over the last few days of the January window, while England midfielder Gallagher has been linked with a move to Tottenham throughout the month.
Spurs have been one of the busier clubs in a seemingly quieter January transfer window so far, with Radu Dragusin and Timo Werner arriving in north London, but head coach Ange Postecoglou suggested on Tuesday it would be “unlikely” to see any more signings
Financial services firm Deloitte suggested that clubs’ desire to avoid tough sanctions for financial rule breaches could be a factor in a general drop in Premier League transfer spending this month, but did not rule out a “late flurry” of activity before the 11pm deadline on Thursday.
Aston Villa have been active in the final stages of the window, with winger Morgan Rogers expected to join from Middlesbrough in a deal worth £16million.
Forward Jhon Duran has been linked with Chelsea, while Unai Emery is also keen to keep hold of Jacob Ramsey, who has been linked with Tottenham and Bayern Munich.
Speaking about the midfielder at a press conference on Monday, Emery said: “Jacob Ramsey is a very important player. He grew up in the academy and his progression is getting better.
“His level is increasing a lot and I want to keep him here with us. Of course, there are movements (speculation) around him.
“Maybe there are teams involved in the possibility to sign him because he has a big, big potential at Villa and in England. I want to keep him here, 100 per cent.”
Newcastle were another club linked with Ramsey, but Eddie Howe insisted on Monday that the Magpies had made no approach for the 22-year-old.
Howe added he is determined to keep his squad “intact” amid speculation over the futures of Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron throughout the window.
After securing Kalvin Phillips on loan, Portuguese winger Jota is reportedly a target for West Ham to replace Algeria winger Said Benrahma, who is likely to leave before deadline day.
Pablo Fornals could be another player to leave the Hammers and he is reportedly close to sealing a move to Real Betis.
Brighton have been linked with a move for Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, but Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi remains tight-lipped about the speculation.
“I don’t know anything about him (personally); I know him as a player,” he said.
“He has great quality but it’s not my business speaking about other players, especially because (Foxes boss) Enzo Maresca is my friend and I want to be correct with him.”
There could be activity towards the bottom end of the Premier League table as Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder admitted the club will be working “frantically” to improve their squad before Thursday, while Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo is also hoping to bring in reinforcements.
Erik ten Hag says his players have to be disciplined on and off the pitch as the Manchester United boss looks to move on from Marcus Rashford’s reported Belfast escapades.
The 26-year-old has been far from his best this season, scoring just four goals, and his decision-making off the field has brought further scrutiny and criticism.
Ten Hag called Rashford’s decision to go to a nightclub party after October’s 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City “unacceptable” and stories emerged in recent days of more late-night exploits.
Rashford is reported to have gone out in Belfast last Thursday night until 3am, before reporting ill the following day and going on to miss Sunday’s FA Cup win at Newport.
United later said in a statement that “Marcus has taken responsibility for his actions” and that the “internal disciplinary matter” is closed – something Ten Hag referred back to ahead of Thursday’s match against Wolves.
“So, he has taken responsibility and for the rest it’s an internal matter – case closed,” the Red Devils boss said, before repeating “case closed” when asked a follow-up.
Barry Robson has been sacked as manager of Aberdeen, with the team eighth in the Scottish Premiership table.
The 45-year-old has departed along with his assistant Steve Agnew following the 1-1 draw with Dundee at Pittodrie on Tuesday.
He led the club to a third-placed finish last season and qualification for the Europa Conference League but managed only one win in his last five league games in charge.
The club said in a statement that results and performances this season had “been well below the expectations set”.
“Although it has been a difficult call, the board felt the change was necessary and in the best interests of Aberdeen FC,” chairman Dave Cormack told the club website.
“Barry earned the right to be Aberdeen manager and knew the high level of expectation we had when he took the role.
“We gave Barry as much time and support as we possibly could in the hope, and expectation, he could return us to the league form we witnessed in the spring of last year.
“There is a talented squad of players at the club which makes our current league position unacceptable.
“With 17 games left in the league and still in the Scottish Cup, this change is necessary to help us refocus on our ambitions for the rest of the season.”
Cormack said first team coach Peter Leven would take training on an interim basis.
Gabriel Jesus has vowed to make scoring goals his priority after inspiring Arsenal to a 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest.
The Brazil forward, who shook off a knee injury to play in the game, opened the scoring in the 65th minute and then laid on a second for Bukayo Saka seven minutes later.
Jesus has had questions asked of him after scoring 19 goals in 56 games in all competitions since his £45million move from Manchester City in summer 2022, but he has been a creative force, registering 12 assists in that time.
The 26-year-old, who has scored 73 Premier League goals in total, now wants to concentrate on adding to that tally.
“Sometimes it is all about stats and sometimes it is all about watching the game,” he said. “Let’s go, come on.
“If you watch the game, you see me playing… I am close to 100 in the Premier League – that’s not easy.
“Then in the Champions League I am scoring a lot, in the national team I score. Sometimes, like I say, I am not focused on that (scoring goals) and that’s I think my mistake.
“So now, I think I change my mindset and I will be in the box more – and I try everything to score.”
Jesus is also working on keeping positive after missing chances – something he did at the City Ground as he scored moments after hitting the post.
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“Also I am changing my mindset, I think I am more focused on the game now,” he said. “Before, when I miss one or two chances (I may have got disheartened)… I think that was not the case today.
“I think I created and my team gave me the ball – it was amazing – and I hit the post. I think it was more unlucky than a miss, but I keep trying.
“A minute after, I create another one and I miss the time to shoot, but I keep working, I keep trying, I keep focused on the game.
“I try to find another way to score and it worked. Sometimes it is all about this. Keep trying and then it works.”
Jesus earned the praise of boss Mikel Arteta for his desire to play in the game despite a knee problem.
“Gabi started to win the game two days ago,” the Spaniard said. “He had an issue with his knee and everyone was trying to protect him and saying don’t go outside.
“But he was saying (matchday) -2, (matchday) -1, I want to be there I want to help the team to win the game. When you have that mentality, good things are going to happen. I’m really pleased with him.
“He got hit big time in the last game. His knee reacted and it’s the knee he had (surgery on) before. He was super positive, he’s feeling good and he was so sharp in training. I’m not surprised with the way he played.”
Forest grabbed a late consolation through Taiwo Awoniyi on his first appearance since November following groin surgery, the Nigeria striker having been introduced as a half-time replacement for the injured Chris Wood.
“His hamstring felt very tight,” head coach Nuno Espirito Santo said of the New Zealand international. “There was a big risk of injury. He was not feeling OK to continue, so that’s why we made the change.”
Javane Bryan is in the middle of his debut season in the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League at 27 years old.
Admittedly, he has joined the party late, compared to the many others who are now plying their trade in the top league of Jamaican football and that is exactly why the Waterhouse FC striker believes that he has something to prove.
“It took me so long to get here, now I’m here and making a statement and showing the reason I belong here,” said the striker who is now the leading scorer in the league at the end of match week 15.
Bryan does not lack in confidence and credits his journey to the Wray & Nephew Premier League with the instant success he has been enjoying in front of goal.
“Even though it’s my first time playing in the Premier League, other leagues that I played in I used to execute in them just as well, so I bring it forth into the Premier League. I have taken my chances when I have gotten them and made use of them,” he insisted.
The former Tivoli Gardens High School player who had his final season in schoolboy football, was stymied by a position change just when he was hoping for his breakthrough.
“I went to Tivoli Gardens High school and played Pepsi (U-14) and Colts (U-16). I didn’t get to play outfield in Manning Cup because I had to take the responsibility in goal when the goalkeeper got a red card in the first game.
“So from there on, I was in the goal until he got back into the squad and then I was on the bench. After that I stopped keeping and went back outfield,” he explained.
After leaving high school Bryan returned to his preferred position where he again started to thrive.
“My first senior season was with Rae Town playing in the Super League where I started playing centre forward and then I moved on to Vere United and won the Super League with them. From Vere I went to Falmouth FC and then to Meadforest, before moving to Waterhouse in the premier league this season.”
Bryan is currently half-way towards his season’s target with just over half of the season played.
“I am looking forward to about 20 goals. I just have to work hard. Every chance I get, I just have to make use of it,” he reasoned.
He opened his goal-scoring account in the premier league with a brace against Montego Bay United in the second match of the season and hit double figures when the teams played out a 2-2 draw in the return leg on Monday night when he scored the opening goal of the contest.
Waterhouse sits just outside the playoff positions in seventh place on 20 points, but Bryan has total confidence is his team going all the way this season.
“With the group of players I am playing with, I think we have the squad that can do it. I believe in my team, and I believe in myself and the coaching staff and the management staff that this Waterhouse team can win this title,” he proclaimed.
After separating himself from Tivoli Gardens striker Justin Dunn who has nine goals, Bryan will be hoping to push on in the race for the Golden Boot which would certainly be a highlight in his premier league debut season.
Javane Bryan celebrates one of his goals against Montego Bay United at the Stadium East Field in mid-October.
Port Vale have denied reports claiming pop star Robbie Williams is preparing a bid to buy the club.
Williams, a lifelong fan of the League One side, was said to be considering a Wrexham-style takeover at Vale Park.
The 49-year-old former Take That star, whose solo hits include Angels, Let Me Entertain You and Come Undone, became the club’s president at the weekend and opened a new suite named after him.
But Vale, owned by businesswoman Carol Shanahan, say there are no plans in the pipeline for Williams to buy the club.
A Vale statement read: “We are aware of the ‘exclusive’ news that appeared in several national news outlets overnight and want to clarify the following:
“Robbie Williams has not made a bid to purchase Port Vale Football Club and there have been no conversations regarding that happening.
“Robbie and his team attended the match this past weekend, where he became club president and opened the suite that is now named after him.
“There are a number of positive club projects that both Carol and Robbie are exploring with the intention of anything delivered being in the best interests of Port Vale Football Club.
“As owners of the club, the Shanahan family remain fully committed to Port Vale FC.”
Vale are currently 20th in League One and lost 1-0 to Portsmouth on Saturday.
What the papers say
Paris St-Germain are watching developments with Marcus Rashford at Manchester United. According to the i, the French club could rekindle their interest in the England forward, 26.
Armando Broja, 22, is being lined up by Fulham for a move ahead of the transfer deadline. But they are yet to approach Chelsea’s £50million valuation for the Albania striker, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Spanish midfielder Pablo Fornals could be the next player to leave West Ham, reports the Daily Mail. The 27-year-old is close to sealing a move to Real Betis.
West Ham are looking at Portuguese winger Jota, 24, from Al-Ittihad to replace the outgoing Said Benrahma, according to the Daily Mirror. The Hammers are fending off interest from Wolves and Crystal Palace for England striker Danny Ings, 31.
Social media round-upPlayers to watch
Bryan Gil: Brighton are in talks with Tottenham over a loan move for the out-of-favour Spain midfielder, 22, according to the Daily Mail.
Amad Diallo: The Ivory Coast winger, 19, is keen on a return to Sunderland on loan from Manchester United, reports Football Insider.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk insists he is “fully committed” to the club as he dismissed reports suggesting he is ready to quit Anfield.
The Netherlands defender’s comments on whether he would be around after manager Jurgen Klopp departs this summer sparked speculation he could follow his manager out of the door.
Klopp announced on Friday that he will step down at the end of the season, and, asked whether he saw himself as part of the next Liverpool era, Van Dijk replied: “That’s a big question. Well, I don’t know.”
The 32-year-old has 18 months remaining on his current deal and, speaking to the Men in Blazers podcast on Tuesday, Van Dijk moved to clear up the uncertainty created since Klopp’s decision was made public.
“It’s much taken out of context,” the centre-back said of the response to his previous comments.
“To be 100 per cent clear, I am fully committed to the club. I love the club. I love the fans. It is fully taken out of context.”
With Liverpool top of the Premier League and in the final of the Carabao Cup, Van Dijk said ending the Klopp era with silverware remains the priority.
“It’s not about me, it’s not about I. It is about us and nothing has changed,” he added.
“Five days ago we weren’t even speaking about my contract so it’s silly.
“My full focus is on making sure this year can be very special, obviously (it was a) big announcement over the last couple of days. It has been a shock to each one of us connected to the club.
“We mean business, we want to crack on, we want to achieve things that we dreamed of at the start of the season and don’t get it twisted, I’m fully committed to the club – I love each and every second that I am the captain.”
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder admitted there was little his side could do to stop influential Crystal Palace duo Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze after the pair lifted the hosts to a 3-2 victory at Selhurst Park.
A frenetic first 30 minutes in south London started in stunning fashion with Ben Brereton Diaz’s opener inside the first 21 seconds, cancelled out by Eze via Olise’s assist.
James McAtee quickly restored United’s lead but the sides were square at the break after Olise once again teed up Eze before he got himself on the scoresheet with the 67th-minute game-winner.
Wilder, whose side remain bottom of the Premier League, said: “We got pushed back, those two players decided a pretty tight game.
“The quality that those two players have, you’re up against minimum £50million for both of those players. You have to deal with that, that’s what the Premier League is about.
“Could have done with Olise having just a few more days off but that’s the challenges you’re up against. You want to play against the best players, and when they find those bits and moments that we’re trying to find it makes it a difficult evening.
“We do prep and we do structure and we have a game plan but I think what happens is that those boys can destroy your game plan through individual brilliance.
“You can have all the plan in the world, but those boys find a way.”
Despite injuries severely hampering their appearances together, Olise’s seventh assist for Eze moved him into joint-first with Andros Townsend and James McArthur for the most times a Palace player has assisted a single team-mate.
The victory eased pressure on Palace boss Roy Hodgson after the Eagles’ 5-0 dismantling at the hands of Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, where fans in the away end raised banners protesting against the direction of their club.
Yet there were worrying scenes at Selhurst Park, with both Olise and Eze removed in the second half after they received treatment on the pitch.
The 76-year-old said he was more concerned about Eze than Olise, who had returned to his line-up for the first time in 2024 after sitting out since Palace’s Brentford victory in late December, having also missed a significant spell to start the season with a separate hamstring issue.
Hodgson said the pair “haven’t been fully assessed” but “both of them were pretty upbeat after the game, and with any luck” available to face bitter rivals Brighton on Saturday.
The Palace boss said the win and presence of the two influential players did “wonders” for his side’s confidence and added: “Hopefully we put the black mark of last week, the heavy defeat, behind us.
“I think people, if they’re looking at the team now, should be doing so with a large degree of optimism. This team and this group of players are capable of lifting Crystal Palace up into a higher position than we find ourselves in.”
Boss Eddie Howe believes Newcastle proved the doubters wrong after inflicting Aston Villa’s first home league defeat in almost a year.
Fabian Schar’s first-half double and Alex Moreno’s own goal gave the Magpies a deserved 3-1 win in Birmingham.
Ollie Watkins’ 50th Premier League goal for Villa gave the hosts hope but they were unable to mount a comeback.
It was Villa’s first home top-flight defeat since February last year and came after Newcastle had lost six of their last seven league games.
“We answered a lot of questions but it’s just one game and we need to build on the last two results,” said Howe, with Newcastle climbing to seventh.
“It was a big win and performance, the players were really good. It was us of last year.
“We had that good start, it gave us confidence and it was a very good away performance. Now the challenge is to maintain that.
“It’s been frustrating as we’ve done well in the cup competitions away from home but the Premier League seems to have been a different story.
“It was mixed emotions for me because that team is an elite team. The mixed part is that we haven’t seen that for a number of weeks. We looked much like ourselves and we have players coming back.”
Anthony Gordon was denied by Emi Martinez before Schar struck twice in four first-half minutes.
The defender capitalised on poor defending from Douglas Luiz and Ezri Konsa from Kieran Trippier’s corner to open the scoring after 32 minutes.
Soon after Gordon’s shot was deflected over and, when the corner was only half-cleared, the winger’s volley clipped Clement Lenglet, hit the underside of the bar and Schar prodded in.
Newcastle’s dominance continued six minutes after the break when Miguel Almiron – on for Alexander Isak, who came off with a suspected groin injury – robbed Matty Cash and was slipped in by Gordon’s return ball.
His cross reached Jacob Murphy and the winger’s effort went in off the sliding Moreno.
Villa found some fight and after Moussa Diaby had gone close Watkins pulled a goal back with 19 minutes left, firing in Leon Bailey’s cross.
The striker also had a goal disallowed for a tight offside call two minutes later but the hosts could not recover.
Villa remain fourth but will be overhauled by Tottenham if Spurs beat Brentford on Wednesday.
“I spoke with the players and told them I am very proud of them and the supporters after a lot of successful matches here. One loss was always going to come,” said boss Unai Emery, with Villa due to confirm the signing of Morgan Rogers from Middlesbrough in a deal worth £16million.
“We can’t lose our perspective. Winning is better but we are facing seven teams stronger than us, but we have our process. The message is to keep going ahead and try and find comfort in the work that we are doing.
“We are frustrated, a little bit disappointed, but in our perspective we are happy. We weren’t clinical and we conceded more chances and set-pieces than normal.
“We have 43 points. We are going to work and try to keep the distance that we have now and then focus on Saturday (at Sheffield United).”
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