Watkins Scores as Aston Villa Thrashes In-Form Newcastle United

Aston Villa extended their unbeaten streak at Villa Park in the Premier League to 16 matches, delivering an impressive 4-1 victory over a Newcastle side in fine form, keeping their hopes alive for UEFA Champions League qualification next season.

In a thrilling first half, Villa commenced perfectly as Ollie Watkins found the net within the opening minute.

The England international, seizing a rare starting opportunity in recent weeks, saw his shot take a deflection off Fabian Schär before beating Nick Pope.

Watkins nearly scored again moments later, launching a left-footed effort that struck the crossbar from a tight angle.

Schar, who was fortunate not to receive a red card earlier for bringing down Watkins as the last man, managed to level the score for Newcastle by heading in a cross from Harvey Barnes, sneaking it through the legs of Emiliano Martínez.

Villa were quick to respond; however, Marco Asensio missed a clear chance in the penalty area, mis-hitting his shot. Shortly after, Watkins headed a well-placed free-kick onto the post.

Both teams tested each other’s goalkeepers further before halftime, with Sandro Tonali striking a low drive that looked destined for the bottom corner until Martínez made a crucial save. Meanwhile, Morgan Rogers forced Pope to parry a close-range attempt away.

Villa dominated the early stages of the second half, and the provider of Watkins’ opener, Youri Tielemans, nearly went on the scoresheet himself as his header from a corner was cleared off the line by Tonali. Pope then pulled off a double save to thwart efforts from John McGinn and Rogers.

Just past the hour mark, the home side regained the lead through Ian Maatsen, who scored his first goal in the Premier League.

Watkins set him up after a quick break, and the Dutchman finished expertly into the far corner from the left side.

Villa continued to press for more goals, and Dan Burn unfortunately turned a low ball into his own net following a cross from substitute Jacob Ramsey.

Another substitute, Amadou Onana, swiftly added a fourth with a stunning strike into the top corner after Pope had initially saved well from Rogers.

Villa stayed relentless, hitting the woodwork for the third time in the match, with Ramsey’s curling effort striking the far post.

Newcastle were perhaps relieved to leave with just a 4-1 defeat, marking their fifth loss in six league visits to Villa Park, while Villa closed the gap to their opponents to just two points.

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