Newcastle United failed to take their chances without star striker Alexander Isak and were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against 10-man Aston Villa.
The hosts were reduced to 10 when Konsa was shown a straight red in the 66th minute after pulling Anthony Gordon, who had raced in behind the defence and looked through on goal, to the ground.
The frustration had already been building for the Magpies without their star man, Isak, leading the line but the situation worsened when they failed to make their advantage count at Villa Park.
The Sweden international was not named in the match-day squad, with his transfer saga continuing to rumble on behind the scenes, and his absence was sorely felt in the first half as his side squandered golden opportunities in front of goal.
The Magpies accumulated an expected goals value of 1.16 xG before the break but failed to find the back of the net despite this dominance.
Aston Villa’s Boubacar Kamara and Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon (right) battle for the ball
Gordon, the player tasked with leading the line in the absence of Isak, and Anthony Elanga both saw efforts saved by Villa’s new goalkeeper Marco Bizot, before a rejuvenated claret and blue side emerged from the interval.
The red card stagnated their approach going forward but solidified Unai Emery’s side at the back.
Boubacar Kamara dropped into the centre of defence after Konsa’s departure and the compact claret and blue unit frustrated Newcastle, limiting their opponents to very little despite the advantage.
Both sides walked away with a point but while it will feel positive for Villa, it offers Newcastle a worrying insight into what life without Isak could really be like.
Newcastle face Liverpool, the club Isak is being heavily linked to, live on Monday Night Football in their next fixture.
Howe: The door is open for Isak to return
Speaking after the game, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe offered an update on Isak’s future at St James’ Park and said the door was “well and truly open” for the striker to return.
Isak informed the club in July that he would like to explore his options this summer, with Newcastle also rejecting an opening offer of £110m plus add-ons from Liverpool earlier in the window.
The Sweden international is currently training away from the first team and did not travel with the squad for the game at Villa Park.
Eddie Howe has said the door is open for Alexander Isak to return to the first team squad at Newcastle
“Nothing has changed,” Howe said when questioned about the latest on Isak’s future. “The door is well and truly open.
“He has to decide what he wants to do. We would like a resolution. We need that clarity. You don’t need any kind of distraction.
“I am not in control of that. There is one person who can control that. Let’s wait and see. I have made my stance clear. I am concentrating on the team.”
Newcastle supporters could be heard chanting against Isak during a post-match television interview with Anthony Gordon, who played as a false nine in the striker’s absence.
“The supporters acted really well today,” said Howe. “If afterwards, they want to say something, they are free to do that.”
Anthony Gordon is fouled by Ezri Konsa, resulting in a red card for the Villa defender
Gordon: We showed our togetherness without Isak
Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon speaking to TNT Sports:
“It has been difficult because we’re a tight-knit group. But you see today, we’ve still got that spirit and togetherness.
“That will never go, regardless of individuals. We’re still together. Things like this can make you better in the end.”
Emery: Konsa red changed the game
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery said the red card for Konsa changed the game after his side began to “build up” into the fixture after half-time.
“We are not happy when losing two points at home. They deserved more after having better chances than us.
“The first half, we did not control the game like we planned. We were not threatening them. They created one or two chances and the goalkeeper, Marco [Bizot], did fantastic.
“The second half, we were building up and creating opportunities in the box. The red card changed the match.
“We have to feel more or less happy and proud of our work. Today was a very good test and a good point.”
