Newcastle beaten again as Villa & Everton also lose

With every English league but the Premier League back underway for the new season, top-flight clubs were making the most of their final chance to get some more fitness preparations in ahead of 2025-26.

Arsenal breezed past Athletic Club in the Emirates Cup, marking Mikel Arteta’s fourth time lifting the trophy in North London.

Meanwhile, Manchester United were held to a draw by Fiorentina, before beating them on penalties at Old Trafford.

We’ve summed up some of the best games and you can find the day’s results as teams finish their pre-season.

Newcastle stumble again

Atletico Madrid claimed a 2-0 win over Newcastle in a match decided by two ruthless counter-attacks at St James’ Park.

The first half was competitive, with Newcastle edging the early chances. Joelinton saw three headed efforts go close, while Kieran Trippier’s long-range strike tested Jan Oblak.

Atletico, however, threatened through Julian Alvarez, whose shot from distance was saved by Nick Pope. Despite both sides pressing forward, the opening period ended goalless.

The deadlock was broken just five minutes into the second half. Alex Baena burst forward on the break and squared for Alvarez, who finished clinically from close range into the bottom corner.

Newcastle pushed for an equaliser, but their momentum was stifled by a flurry of substitutions around the hour mark.

Only two minutes later, Atletico struck again. Alexander Sorloth’s driving run set up Antoine Griezmann, who calmly placed a left-footed finish into the bottom corner for 2-0.

The visitors managed the game expertly from there, breaking up play and limiting Newcastle to set-piece deliveries that failed to trouble replacement goalkeeper Juan Musso.

Pope prevented further damage with a superb save from Taufik Seidu, while injuries to Anthony Gordon and changes in defence disrupted Newcastle’s rhythm.

Everton lose opener at new stadium

Roma edged past Everton with a narrow 1-0 win at the newly opened Hill Dickinson Stadium, thanks to a second-half strike from Matas Soule.

The match began at a lively pace, with both sides creating early chances. Neil El Aynaoui tested Jordan Pickford inside three minutes, before James Tarkowski headed wide from a corner at the other end.

Everton’s Thierno Barry was twice denied by Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar, while Artem Dovbyk saw his close-range effort saved by Pickford.

Roma came closest in the first half when Angelino’s long-range strike rattled the crossbar just before the break.

The deadlock was broken in the 70th minute. Gianluca Mancini rose highest to nod down a cross into Soule’s path, and the Argentine calmly slotted into the bottom corner.

Everton responded with Charly Alcaraz forcing a low save from Svilar and James Garner firing over from distance.

In stoppage time, substitute Niccolo Pisilli went close to doubling Roma’s lead with a speculative strike, but the visitors ultimately needed only Soule’s well-taken finish to take the win.

Aston Villa humbled by Marseille

Marseille defeated Aston Villa 3-1 in a fiery pre-season encounter at the Stade Velodrome, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s late brace sealing the win.

The hosts struck first after just nine minutes when Tyrone Mings’ misplaced pass allowed Mason Greenwood to race in behind and slot past Marco Bizot.

Villa responded almost immediately, Jacob Ramsey threading John McGinn through on goal for a composed chip over Geronimo Rulli.

Both sides traded half-chances in an open first half, with Ramsey and McGinn linking well for Villa, while Amadou Onana and George Hemmings impressed in midfield.

Matty Cash earned the only booking of the opening period as the game’s competitive edge began to show.

Marseille started the second half on the front foot, pinning Villa back and testing their defensive shape. Villa’s threat waned, and the contest grew increasingly feisty. A flurry of yellow cards followed – McGinn, Donyell Malen, and substitute Evann Guessand among those cautioned.

With 15 minutes remaining, Aubameyang stole in at the back post to put Marseille ahead, before adding a quick second to give the hosts breathing room.

Villa, already struggling for attacking rhythm, failed to mount a late response.

The match ended in more controversy when Greenwood clashed with Onana, kicking out and shoving the Belgian before being confronted by Mings, leaving the Marseille forward with a ripped shirt as he departed.