Aston Villa moved to inside some extent of the Premier League high 5 after a convincing 4-1 victory over in-form Newcastle.
Ollie Watkins scored after 33 seconds earlier than twice hitting the woodwork as Unai Emery’s aspect, off the again of a valiant exit from the Champions League by the hands of PSG on Tuesday, exploded out the blocks.
Fabian Schar levelled for Newcastle, who themselves have been in advantageous kind coming into the competition, however three unanswered second-half objectives from Ian Maatsen and Amadou Onana, plus a Dan Burn personal purpose gave the hosts an announcement win.
For the Magpies, they continue to be in third however the end result brings an finish to a run of six consecutive wins.
In the meantime, Villa’s spectacular report at Villa Park extends to 19 aggressive video games with out defeat.
What a win. pic.twitter.com/rAJH9LngvV
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 19, 2025
Villa fast out the blocks
It took all of 33 seconds for the hosts to interrupt the impasse. Youri Tielemans fed Watkins whose right-footed shot flicked off Fabian Schar.
The deflection was sufficient to wrong-foot Nick Pope and nestle into the again of the online as Watkins equaled the report for many Premier League objectives for Villa.
The England striker, in for Marcus Rashford, seemed within the temper. Moments later he practically doubled his and his crew’s tally when he cannoned a fierce effort in opposition to the bar.
“The PERFECT begin for Aston Villa” 🎙️
Ollie Watkins scores his fifteenth purpose of the season 🙌 pic.twitter.com/7Q0KpKr0vG
— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2025
Schar was then booked for a foul as Watkins appeared to race clear, however the Swiss defender quickly made amends when he headed in Newcastle’s equaliser within the 18th minute.
Watkins hit the woodwork for a second time when he met Marco Asensio’s free-kick however his header smacked in opposition to the put up.
Sandro Tonali then noticed his low effort stored out by Emi Martinez whereas Asensio fluffed his strains when he ought to have scored after a promising transfer down Villa’s left.
Emery’s aspect dominate after the break
Within the second half, John McGinn drew a robust save from Pope earlier than Maatsen gave the hosts the lead together with his first ever Premier League purpose on 64-minutes.
Villa had been knocking on the door after the break so it was hardly in opposition to the run of play when Watkins performed within the full-back who completed well from a slender angle.
Issues would get higher for Emery’s males when substitute Jacob Ramsey, simply moments after approaching, flashed in a low cross that was inadvertently became his personal web by Burn.
“They’re blowing their Champions League rivals OUT OF THE WATER!” 🎙️
Amadou Onana with a elegant end to place Aston Villa out of Newcastle’s attain 🚀 pic.twitter.com/83akLioCES
— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2025
Seconds later, Pope saved point-blank from Rogers earlier than the Villa midfielder set Onana, one other second-half sub, who unleashed an unstoppable drive into the highest nook to make it 4.
Villa have been rampant. Newcastle seemed jaded. Ramsey struck the put up as Emery’s aspect seemed to additional lengthen the lead.
However there was to be no extra objectives on a night when Villa’s hopes of returning to European membership soccer’s elite competitors got an almighty enhance.
