THE FINAL STRAW

Newcastle's 16-year rollercoaster stay in the Premier League comes crashing down to earth with a whimper as they exhibit their glaring lack of quality - and urgency - in a tame 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa.

Alan Shearer's mission to save his beloved club ended in failure thanks to Damien Duff's unfortunate own goal, as Gareth Barry's 20-yard shot is deflected past keeper Steven Harper.

To rub salt in the wounds ahead of high emotion seconds before the final whistle, defender David Edgar is sent off for his second bookable offence after fouling Ashley Young.