Newcastle United become the first team to make six subs in a game this season

Newcastle became the first team in the Premier League this season to make six substitutes in one match.

This was down to a new ruling that was brought into the league this season, with the Magpies the first to make use of it.

Eddie Howe's men eased past Villa thanks to goals from Miguel Almiron, Joelinton and a brace from Callum Wilson.

They've still only lost the once this season so far and find themselves in the top four ahead of the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool.

This was allowed only because Villa's keeper Emiliano Martinez was forced to withdraw which saw Robin Olsen replace him as a concussion substitute.

This then allowed both teams to be able to make an extra sub, as per the rules.

Having increased their lead to four goals, Jacob Murphy and Matt Targett came in for Joe Willock and Sven Botman after 71 minutes and then Jamaal Lascelles came in for Fabian Schar 11 minutes later.

Then, with seven minutes left, we saw Jonjo Shelvey, Allan Saint-Maximin and Chris Wood replace Bruno Guimaraes, Almiron and Wilson respectively.

Of course, to the uninitiated, it may have looked like an error on their part but it left some fans confused.

One fan on Twitter wrote: 'Newcastle made 6 subs? Is that allowed?'

Another commented: 'No one talking about Newcastle making 6 subs???????'

It's been a brilliant season for the North East club so far, as they sit in the Champions League places and look set for their best season since the 2011/12 season, when Alan Pardew guided them to 5th place.

Howe has been able to improve existing players in the squad such as Joelinton and Almiron to become high-level PL players.

Howe's Newcastle have the best defence in the PL, having conceded just 10 goals in 13 games, keeping 6 clean sheets.