Aston Villa moved to within a point of the Premier League top five after a convincing 4-1 victory over in-form Newcastle. The hosts were quick out of the blocks, with Ollie Watkins scoring after just 33 seconds. Watkins’ right-footed shot flicked off Fabian Schar and nestled into the back of the net, equaling the record for most Premier League goals for Villa.
The England striker looked in the mood, nearly doubling his and his team’s tally with a fierce effort that cannoned against the bar. Schar was booked for a foul as Watkins appeared to race clear but soon made amends when he headed in Newcastle’s equalizer in the 18th minute. Watkins hit the woodwork for a second time when he met Marco Asensio’s free-kick, but his header smacked against the post.
In the second half, Aston Villa dominated, with Ian Maatsen giving the hosts the lead with his first-ever Premier League goal on 64 minutes. Villa had been knocking on the door after the break, and it was hardly against the run of play when Watkins played in the full-back who finished smartly from a narrow angle. Things got better for Emery’s men when substitute Jacob Ramsey flashed in a low cross that was inadvertently turned into his own net by Dan Burn.
Amadou Onana, another second-half sub, unleashed an unstoppable drive into the top corner to make it four. “They are blowing their Champions League rivals OUT OF THE WATER!” Sky Sports Premier League tweeted, highlighting Onana’s sublime finish. Villa were rampant, while Newcastle looked jaded. Ramsey struck the post as Emery’s side looked to further extend the lead, but there were no more goals on an evening when Villa’s hopes of returning to European club football’s elite competition were given an almighty boost.
The win extends Villa’s impressive record at Villa Park, with 19 competitive games without defeat. Newcastle, on the other hand, remain in third but saw an end to a run of six consecutive wins. The result keeps Villa’s top-five hopes alive, and they will look to build on this momentum in the remaining games.