Aston Villa made a powerful statement in the race for a top-four finish, dismantling direct rivals Newcastle United with a resounding 4-1 victory in the Premier League.

Though their journey in this season’s UEFA Champions League has come to an end, Unai Emery’s side showed no signs of slowing down as they chase qualification for next year’s European competitions. Villa Park was rocking as the hosts struck four times, leaving Newcastle stunned and their own top-four hopes in serious jeopardy.

The result sends shockwaves through the Premier League standings, where just two points now separate third from sixth place—turning the battle for Champions League football into a full-blown dogfight heading into the final weeks of the 2024–25 campaign.

Check the full 2024–25 Premier League table here

2024-25, England - Premier League

Aston Villa - Newcastle 4:1 (1:1)
Goals: Watkins, 1 (1:0); Schär, 18 (1:1); Maatsen I., 64 (2:1); Burn, 73 (own goal) (3:1); Onana A., 75 (4:1)

Aston Villa: Martinez E.; Konsa; Mings; Maatsen I.; Kamara B. (Barkley, 82); Cash; McGinn J. (Ramsey J., 72); Tielemans; Watkins (Rashford, 82); Asensio (Onana A., 72); Rogers M. (Malen, 82)
Bench: Olsen R.; Disasi; Digne; Robledo
Yellow Cards: Ramsey J. 88

Newcastle: Pope; Trippier (Krafth E., 76); Schär (Targett, 82); Livramento; Burn; Tonali; Barnes H. (Willock, 76); Bruno Guimarães; Joelinton; Isak (Wilson C., 76); Murphy J-b (Gordon A., 65)
Bench: Dubravka; Longstaff S.; Miley; Osula
Yellow Cards: Schär 13; Joelinton 41; Bruno Guimarães 63