Ollie Watkins inspired Aston Villa to a statement victory over Newcastle in the race for Europe with a goal and an assist in a 4-1 victory.

Villa recorded their fifth consecutive league win to lift them into sixth and two points behind third-placed Newcastle, whose six-game winning run was ended, as Watkins staked his claim for the starting striker spot.

Marcus Rashford had recently been preferred up front, but Watkins, handed his first start in four games, proved his point by scoring inside the opening 33 seconds with a deflected effort before slamming a shot against the crossbar only minutes later.

Watkins gave the Newcastle defence and particularly Fabian Schar a torrid time, with the centre-back fortunate to only be shown a yellow card for pulling down the striker as he looked to burst through on goal.

Schar then controversially equalised for Newcastle, who were still without head coach Eddie Howe as he recovers from pneumonia, with a close-range header before Watkins struck the left post.

Villa deservedly retook the lead just after the hour mark as Watkins weighted a perfect pass for the overlapping left-back Ian Maatsen to fire home as Newcastle, fielding the same team for a seventh consecutive match, faded badly.

Unai Emery then brought on Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana, who both instantly wrapped up the match. Ramsey’s low cross was turned into his own net by Dan Burn before Onana crashed an effort into the top left corner.

More to follow.

Story of the match in stats…

What’s coming up in the Premier League?