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Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle United: Benitez's side dealt major blow in survival chase

Aston Villa drew with Newcastle United, meaning both will be in the Championship next season if Sunderland beats Everton on Wednesday.

Newcastle United's hopes of Premier League survival were dealt a major blow after it was held to a 0-0 draw at rock-bottom Aston Villa on Saturday.

Rafael Benitez's men needed a victory to ensure their fate stayed in their own hands, with Norwich City and Sunderland below them having played a game fewer.

But despite a morale-boosting win over Crystal Palace last week, a nervy Newcastle offered a deeply uninspiring display against a Villa side playing its last home game in the Premier League before the drop into the Championship next season.