Aston Villa were unable to ease the fear of a relegation fight after suffering a 2-0 loss to now league leaders Newcastle United on Monday night in the north-east, adding pressure to manager Steve Bruce.

Prior to the match, the visitors were without a win in their last eight outings and that form has seen them sit just six points above the dreaded drop zone.

Bruce decided to make four changes to his starting eleven for the trip to Tyneside.

Midfielder Mile Jedinak re-gained his place in the team having missed the last five games due to injury, defender duo Tommy Elphick and Neil Taylor also returned to the side alongside midfielder Birkir Bjarnason.

Villa suffered a blow just before the interval, despite dominating play, as Frenchman Yoan Gouffran scored from close range to give the promotion hopefuls an advantage prior to the break.

After half-time, Aston Villa were on the back foot and conceded a second when Henri Lansbury struggled to find his feet from a Jamaal Lascelles effort.

A disappointing defeat for the Midlands outfit, and here's how fans reacted on Twitter to the result....

Aston Villa supporters, what did you make of that performance? Who needs to be dropped? How does Bruce need to change his game plan? Tell us in the comments below!