Aston Villa Defeats Newcastle 4-1, Strengthens Champions League Bid

Aston Villa secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Newcastle, significantly boosting their hopes in the Premier League race for Champions League qualification. Ollie Watkins opened the scoring just 33 seconds in, becoming the club’s joint record scorer in the Premier League, before Fabian Schar equalized for Newcastle. Villa regained control through Ian Maatsen’s goal, and further extended their lead with a Dan Burn own goal and a late strike from substitute Amadou Onana. The win was marked by Villa's high energy and dominant performance, especially following their recent Champions League disappointment. Unai Emery’s tactical substitutions played a key role, with both Onana and Jacob Ramsey making decisive impacts off the bench. The victory moves Villa up to sixth, within close reach of the Champions League spots with five matches remaining.