Villa's demolition job has the 'wow' factor for Unai

VILLA delivered one of their finest performances under Unai Emery, defeating fellow Champions League hopefuls Newcastle 4-1 at Villa Park.

- By JOHN TOWNLEY

Ollie Watkins opened the scoring inside the first minute before Fabian Schar, who was fortunate to still be on the pitch, equalised in the 18th minute.

Watkins then assisted Ian Maatsen's goal just past the hour, before Jacob Ramsey's cross was turned into his own net by Dan Burn. Amadou Onana fired in a magnificent fourth to seal victory. Here are the talking points as Villa head to Manchester City tonight.

Best league performance of the season

Considering Villa hosted Newcastle just four days after going toe-to-toe with Paris Saint-Germain - and even threatening to knock the French champions out of the Champions League - this was their most impressive victory of the campaign so far. Make no mistake, the scoreline flattered the Magpies.

Villa could easily have been 4-1 up by half-time, having hit the woodwork twice and seen Marco Asensio squander a golden opportunity moments after Schar's equaliser.

Newcastle should have been reduced to ten men for most of the match after Schar pulled Watkins back as he chased a ball in behind. Referee Jarred Gillett judged it not to be a clear goalscoring opportunity, as goalkeeper Nick Pope was off his line.