Aston Villa secured a brilliant 3-0 win over Newcastle Utd on Saturday, as our march towards a European qualification spot continues to gather pace.
A double from Ollie Watkins and an early breakthrough from Jacob Ramsey sealed all three points in a fully deserved victory for Villa, as we were better in all departments having started with a brilliant intensity, tempo and urgency about our play.
READ MORE: Emery on key Villa stalwart and contract situation hint
Newcastle had their moments, particularly early in the second half when a response was expected from the disappointing visitors, but given the quality that they have in the side and their season thus far, this felt like a huge win in itself and the manner in which we secured it will have undoubtedly boosted confidence and belief significantly.
While we continue to remain grounded, both Unai Emery and the players talked up our hopes of a top six finish this season, and having now made it five consecutive wins and seven in our last eight outings, we certainly look capable of mounting a serious challenge in the latter stages of the campaign.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Newcastle Utd:
Emiliano Martinez, 8 – Distribution was on point throughout, as he found teammates in space to break the first line of Newcastle’s press. Produced a crucial save to deny Isak to preserve our lead at 1-0, and although he didn’t have a great deal to do, he shows his class in big moments like that.
Ashley Young, 8 – Another excellent shift from the veteran, as he continued to defend diligently and kept things tight on that side. Pushed forward when possible too as he added width and an attacking outlet, continues to play a key role.
Ezri Konsa, 8 – A composed and classy performance as he read danger well and limited the impact of Newcastle’s forwards. In control throughout, good on the ball and played a big part in another important clean sheet.
Tyrone Mings, 8 – A rock at the back as he cleared threatening situations and produced timely blocks to deny Newcastle chances on goal. Combined with Konsa, the pair are continuing to re-establish a solid partnership at the heart of our improved defensive displays.
Alex Moreno, 8.5 – What an influence he has for us down that left flank. Defended well, but impressed with his attacking play as he constantly provided a threat with his speedy runs forward and deliveries into the box. 71 touches in the game, the most of any player as he continued to show his class.
John McGinn, 8 – A battling performance from the Villa captain in another impressive display. Combative off the ball, and showed his quality in possession too with some excellent passing which was key in the build-up to two of our goals.
Leander Dendoncker, 8 – Credit to the Belgian international, as he came in off the back of not a lot of football and settled really well. Composed, calm and accurate in his distribution and movement across the pitch, and added physicality and presence in the midfield scrap too.
Douglas Luiz, 8 – A tidy display as he kept things ticking for us in midfield, setting the tempo and tone of the performance as we looked in control in that area of the pitch. Not at his most influential, but a solid shift nonetheless as part of an excellent team effort.
Jacob Ramsey, 8.5 – Looked a real threat for us in this one with his breaking runs into the box, and he produced a top finish to break the deadlock as he drilled his strike home. Almost doubled his tally minutes later as he struck the crossbar, but he continued to work hard for the team and cause Newcastle problems.
Emiliano Buendia, 8 – Grabbed a late assist with his cut-back that found Watkins, and that was a nice reward for a tenacious performance. Couldn’t produce the killer pass to carve Newcastle open, but he continued to try and probe for a way through and was tireless off the ball in their half of the pitch too.
Ollie Watkins, 9 – Was a nightmare for the Newcastle defence throughout. His movement, the timing of his runs and hold up play was excellent, and after providing an assist for our opener, he bagged a brace to continue his superb form. Has improved so, so much under Emery, who once again was full of praise for him after the game following another decisive impact.
Substitutes:
Calum Chambers, N/A
Jhon Durán, N/A
