Topics: Unai Emery, Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa, Newcastle, English Premier League
Ollie Watkins continued his brilliant form, scoring twice and assisting another as the Claret and Blue tore the Magpies apart.

Aston Villa kicked off Matchweek 31 in the Premier League with their early fixture against Newcastle, and what a match this game turned out to be!

The Claret and Blue have been one of the most in-form teams since the arrival of Unai Emery and against Eddie Howe's high-flying side, Watkins and Co. showed why they have been impressive under the Spanish coach.

The Birmingham club wasted no time against the Magpies, breaking the deadlock after only 11 minutes, with Ollie Watkins setting up Jacob Ramsey for the opener. The score remained this way until the hour mark before Watkins doubled the home team's lead.

And in the final 10 minutes of normal time, the aforementioned English striker got his second — Aston Villa's third — to secure a convincing win for Emery's men.

And just like that, the team that were in a relegation fight earlier this season under Steven Gerrard are now in sixth in the table, with only three points separating them and fifth-placed Tottenham.

Additionally, Aston Villa have become the best-performing team in 2023, securing the most number of points in this calendar year. While Manchester City and Arsenal are yet to play, this is an impressive achievement from Emery's side nonetheless.

Additionally, Ollie Watkins continues his brilliant campaign, becoming the player with the most goal involvements in the Premier League since the FIFA World Cup ended (14). Eleven of those 14 were goals while the other three were assists.

But could this upturn in form simply be the Emery effect in full swing? Fans were quick to point out Unai's affection for the UEFA Europa League and claim that the Spaniard is performing miracles to get Villa into the competition he loves. Check out the best tweets about their impressive victory over Newcastle.