Aston Villa 3:0 Newcastle: Unai Emery's work since taking charge in November deserves more recognition

• Aston Villa have undergone a tremendous transformation under Unai Emery since he took charge of the club in November
• The former Arsenal boss has guided the club from 16th place to 6th in the league
• Their latest win was an emphatic one, a 3-0 win over top-four hopefuls Newcastle United

Aston Villa continued their revival in the Premier League with another comprehensive performance, this time against Newcastle United.

Unai Emery’s side were simply too strong as they emerged 3-0 winners in the early kick off on Saturday, April 15.

It all had to do with Ollie Watkins, who continued his super form since the World Cup with two goals and an assist on the day.

The England striker showed early signs he would find the net by striking the post with an effort, and forcing two excellent saves from Nick Pope.

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Villa went ahead when Jacob Ramsey swept home a header from Watkins.

The former Brentford star then deservedly found the net with a close-range finish before scoring again late on.

The brace and assist now means no player has been involved in more goals in the Premier League than Watkins since the World Cup, according to stats from ESPN.

Villa on the ascendancy

The win was fully merited for Aston Villa as Eddie Howe’s side did not look up for the task.

For the Villains, it was a fifth straight Premier League victory in a row, the first time that has happened since 1998.

To put Emery’s fine work at the club in context, the Spaniard has won 12 of his 18 matches in charge of the club, with only Arsenal and Manchester City being able to match their 38-point haul in that time.