Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has been left bewildered by Emi Buendia's role during Kieran Trippier's game winning free-kick this weekend.
The Magpies recorded their third straight win by beating Steven Gerrard's side 1-0 at St James Park, leaving Eddie Howe's team 4 points clear of the relegation zone.
Having seen a euphoric turn in results following a busy January transfer window, United have firmly set their sights on steering clear of any relegation woes this season.
Former Blackburn striker Sutton was, however, bewildered at the role Buendia was tasked with during the set-piece, insisting Trippier had no choice but to aim for the Argentinian international.
''We've all seen the picture of five Argentines and their handbags. What we don't see is someone lying down behind them or any other silly tactics,'' began the 48-year-old in his most recent Daily Mail column.
''Unfortunately for Aston Villa, their plan to stop Kieran Trippier from scoring on Sunday didn't work.
''Trippier couldn't go over the wall because he was too close. He couldn't go under because John McGinn is having a lie down. His only option is to aim for where the two Newcastle players are standing.''
Their were once again scenes of joy amongst the Magpies supporters upon the full-time whistle, with Sutton believing the strange training ground routine needs a thorough rethink.
''It doesn't work. Buendia dashes into the gap left by his two opponents. There's a deflection and Martinez is beaten,'' he added.
''Coaches should never forget the most important part of defending a free-kick - and that is the wall. That is what you need to position properly, first and foremost.
''Villa's wall looked like it was too far to the right, and had Buendia been standing on the left of it, Trippier's shot would likely have been blocked.
''Instead, he helped it on its way into the goal.''
