Aston Villa secured a vital 4–1 win over Newcastle to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive.
Aston Villa reignited their hopes of a Champions League qualification with a resounding 4–1 victory over Newcastle United at Villa Park on Saturday. The hosts struck early through Ollie Watkins, who capitalised on a defensive error to put Villa ahead in the first minute.
Newcastle responded through Fabian Schär’s header before halftime, but Villa dominated the second half. Ian Maatsen restored the lead, followed by a Dan Burn own goal, and Amadou Onana added a fourth late on to seal the win.
The victory sees Villa climb to sixth place in the Premier League table with 57 points from 33 games, putting them firmly in the race for a top-five finish and Champions League qualification. Newcastle, despite the defeat, remain in third with 59 points.
Villa manager Unai Emery praised his team’s resilience after their midweek European disappointment, saying, “We have to believe.” The result marks a strong statement from Villa as they chase a return to European elite competition.