BIRMINGHAM, England — Aston Villa delivered a stunning performance to defeat Newcastle United 4-1 at Villa Park on April 19, laying down a serious marker in the fight for a top-five finish and Champions League qualification.
Ollie Watkins opened the scoring for Villa just 33 seconds into the match, becoming joint-top Premier League goalscorer in club history with a shot that deflected off defender Fabian Schar. Villa’s early lead energized the home crowd, but Newcastle equalized in the 18th minute when Schar headed in a curling cross from Harvey Barnes.
However, Villa reclaimed the lead in the 64th minute with a cheeky finish from full-back Ian Maatsen, set up by Watkins. The hosts then took control, with Jacob Ramsey’s pass leading to an own goal from Newcastle’s Dan Burn in the 73rd minute. Substitute Amadou Onana capped off the scoring moments later, launching a stunning strike into the top corner from outside the box.
This impressive victory propels Villa into sixth place in the Premier League, level on points with fifth-placed Nottingham Forest. Newcastle remains in third, now just two points clear of Villa with five matches left in the season.
Villa’s recent form has been remarkable, with 10 wins from their past 11 matches in all competitions. Manager Unai Emery expressed his pleasure with the team’s performance, noting the importance of maintaining momentum heading into crucial fixtures against Manchester City and Bournemouth.
The first half was notably marked by Watkins’ efforts, who struck the woodwork twice — hitting the underside of the crossbar and a header off the post. Though Newcastle’s goalkeeper Nick Pope denied a near goal from John McGinn during the second half, Villa’s attacking threat constantly pressured the visitors.
Later, after Villa’s fourth goal, Ramsey almost added a fifth, with his shot ricocheting off the post. Despite their attacking onslaught, Newcastle couldn’t find their rhythm and were outplayed in energy and execution.
Newcastle’s assistant manager Jason Tindall, stepping in for Eddie Howe as he recovers from pneumonia, remarked on the defeat, saying, “One half too much” for a fatigued side. Newcastle could have widened their gap over Villa but now must respond quickly as they prepare to host Ipswich next.
Watkins, meanwhile, expressed his frustration about being omitted from the Champions League quarter-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain, where he played only 20 minutes. “I was fuming that I wasn’t playing. I am not one of these players who is happy to sit on the bench,” he stated. His performance against Newcastle reaffirmed his value to the team.
Emery praised Watkins’ competitive spirit, saying, “To be angry is fantastic, and then to play like he did today. He showed the competitiveness we want.” With a return to Champions League football on the line, Villa is well-positioned to carry their success forward.
As the season reaches its climax, Villa’s squad depth and determination will be tested, but the excitement surrounding their push for European football remains palpable among the fans. Newcastle, too, is at a crossroads as they look to regain form in the coming weeks.
