WATKINS' DISPLAY OF ELITE QUALITY

OLLIE WATKINS scored one and made one as Aston Villa produced a Champions League statement of intent.

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After exiting Europe's elite competition despite a fine display against PSG on Tuesday, Villa ran riot to move firmly into the reckoning to qualify again.

They took their rivals apart in another breathtaking Villa Park performance.

And it was Watkins who instigated it on his return to the side as Marcus Rashford was left on the bench.

The England striker netted after just 33 seconds, hit the woodwork twice and then set up Ian Maatsen for the key second goal after Fabian Schar had levelled for Newcastle.

Dan Burn then put into his own net and sub Amadou Onana sealed it with a cracker.

Unai Emery's men are now sixth but only two points behind the third-placed Toon.

Jason Tindall took charge of Newcastle for a third game running in the absence of Eddie Howe, who is recovering from pneumonia. They were unchanged for a seventh game in a row, having won their last five.

The game took seconds to come to life.