Newcastle claimed a vital 2-1 victory at fellow Premier League strugglers Aston Villa last night. The visitors started brightly and took the lead on 19 minutes.

Newcastle’s new central midfielder Moussa Sissoko impressed on his debut and it was the French midfielder who put striker Papiss Cisse through on goal, and the Senegal international striker made no mistake with his finish.

The visitors were two goals up on 31 minutes, French international Yohan Cabaye scoring from 25 yards out with a stunning half-volley. Villa got back into the game in the second half and got their reward early in the second half.

Villa substitute Gabriel Agbonlahor went down under a challenge from full-back Mathieu Debuchy in the penalty area and referee Mike Dean pointed to the penalty spot. Belgium striker Christian Benteke stepped up and scored from the spot.

Villa had chances to equalise, but Newcastle keeper Tim Krul was in top form, producing three crucial saves. The Magpies held on to the victory to move four points clear of the relegation zone, while Villa drop into the bottom three.

Wigan moved out of the relegation zone by coming back from two goals down at Stoke to draw 2-2. The home side took the lead on 23 minutes, centre-back Ryan Shawcross volleying home from close-range.

Peter Crouch doubled the Potters lead on 48 minutes, scoring after Al Al-Habsi had parried Charlie Adam’s shot out to the beanpole striker. Two minutes later and Wigan were back in the game. Latics midfielder Roger Espinoza found James McArthur, who finished with the outside of his foot.

McArthur was then involved in the Latic’s equaliser. The Scottish midfielder headed the ball back to striker Franco Di Santo and the Argentinian international volleyed past Asmir Begovic.

Both sides had late chances, but neither could find a winner. Wigan now face a crucial relegation six-pointer with Southampton at the weekend.

Other Premier League results:

QPR vs. Manchester City

Sunderland vs. Swansea

Can Newcastle now move away from the relegation zone?