Watkins’ Late Header Ends 21-Year Hoodoo as Aston Villa Stun Newcastle United

Ollie Watkins’ bullet header in the 88th minute sealed a dramatic victory for Aston Villa and their first win at St James’ Park in 21 years. The result lifts Unai Emery’s side level on points with Manchester City and strengthens their push near the top of the Premier League table.

Newcastle burst out of the blocks, with Sandro Tonali almost capping a superb solo run inside the opening minute, only to be denied by an excellent save from Emiliano Martínez.

Villa responded positively and nearly took the lead in the 12th minute when Jadon Sancho threaded a clever through ball that caught Malick Thiaw overstretching. Ollie Watkins pounced, but Nick Pope produced a superb stop to keep the scores level.

The breakthrough arrived in the 33rd minute with a goal-of-the-season contender.

Youri Tielemans picked out Morgan Rogers between the lines, and the winger laid the ball perfectly into the path of Emi Buendía, who unleashed a sensational 25-yard strike past Pope, leaving the Newcastle goalkeeper with no chance.

Martínez was in inspired form at the other end, first denying Lewis Miley’s header before immediately following up with another sharp save to keep out Yoane Wissa’s effort just before the interval. Newcastle’s problems deepened at half-time when Joelinton was forced off through injury and replaced by Jacob Ramsey.

The hosts pushed for a response after the break. Harvey Barnes saw a shot deflected wide, while Anthony Gordon narrowly failed to connect with a dangerous Kieran Trippier delivery across the face of goal. Villa remained composed, however, and Pope was once again called into action to deny a powerful strike from Morgan Rogers.

With the game drifting toward a draw, Villa struck decisively. Two minutes from time, Lucas Digne whipped in a pinpoint cross and Watkins rose highest, powering a header beyond Pope to seal a historic victory for the visitors.

The goal secured back-to-back league wins for Aston Villa and ended a 21-year wait for success on Tyneside. Newcastle, meanwhile, are now two Premier League matches without a goal, with their struggles in front of goal becoming an increasing concern.