Newcastle’s five-match winning streak came to an abrupt end at Villa Park as Aston Villa bolstered their chances of qualifying for Europe with a convincing 3-0 victory.
Aston Villa’s forward, Ollie Watkins, was already causing trouble for Newcastle when he hit the post and forced two exceptional saves from Newcastle’s goalkeeper, Nick Pope.
Additionally, an effort of his was ruled offside before he eventually gave Villa a two-goal lead, scoring his 10th goal in his 12th league appearance.
With eight minutes left in the game, Watkins completed his team’s domination with a low shot that deflected off Newcastle’s defender, Kieran Trippier, into the net.
Unai Emery’s team was in control during the early stages of the game and took a well-deserved lead when Jacob Ramsey scored a goal from Watkins’ cushioned header.
Watkins almost scored in the first 30 seconds of the game after shrugging off Sven Botman’s challenge and hitting the post.
Ramsey also hit the crossbar in a one-sided opening, and Pope managed to keep out another Watkins attempt early in the second half.
Aston Vila are now three points off fourth place Manchester United albeit two more games played, while Newcastle will lose third spot if Manchester United Avoid defeat at Nottingham Forrest tomorrow.