After a couple of early warnings, Jacob Ramsey opened the scoring for the hosts, latching onto Ollie Watkins’ knock-down to slam home past Nick Pope.
The hosts continued to pile on the pressure and Newcastle were fortunate to go into the break a solitary goal behind.
Their resistance lasted just 20 minutes and withstood a VAR call to rule out a second for Villa before being broken again - with Watkins this time providing the goal scoring touch.
He would go onto add a second and Villa’s third as Unai Emery’s men wrapped up a comfortable and deserved win against the Magpies.
Here are our player ratings from Saturday’s game between Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
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. Nick Pope - 7
Could do very little about Ramsey’s opener. Pulled off a brilliant save minutes later to deny Watkins from making it two and then repeated the feat just minutes into the second-half. Again, couldn’t do anything about the second goal and helped keep the score down, pulling off some crucial stops. Photo: GEOFF CADDICK
. Kieran Trippier - 4
Was beaten in the air by Watkins to set up the first goal. Gave away a few cheap fouls with the second goal also coming down his side. Had a poor game compared to his usual very high standards. Photo: Shaun Botterill
. Fabian Schar - 5
Booked midway through the first-half for a foul on Watkins. Had a tough afternoon. Photo: Dan Istitene
. Sven Botman - 5
Had a tough day up against an in-form Watkins who terrorised the defence all game. Photo: Shaun Botterill
. Dan Burn - 4
Struggled early on up against John McGinn and Emi Buendia. McGinn in particular seemed to have the better of him. Wasn’t able to stop Watkins from doubling Villa’s lead. Photo: GEOFF CADDICK
. Joelinton - 6
Was a presence in midfield but couldn’t stop Villa dominating the middle of the park in the first-half. The Brazilian was shifted to left-wing during the second period but had little influence on the game before being brought off with ten minutes to go. Photo: GEOFF CADDICK
1. Nick Pope - 7
Could do very little about Ramsey’s opener. Pulled off a brilliant save minutes later to deny Watkins from making it two and then repeated the feat just minutes into the second-half. Again, couldn’t do anything about the second goal and helped keep the score down, pulling off some crucial stops. Photo: GEOFF CADDICK
2. Kieran Trippier - 4
Was beaten in the air by Watkins to set up the first goal. Gave away a few cheap fouls with the second goal also coming down his side. Had a poor game compared to his usual very high standards. Photo: Shaun Botterill
3. Fabian Schar - 5
Booked midway through the first-half for a foul on Watkins. Had a tough afternoon. Photo: Dan Istitene
4. Sven Botman - 5
Had a tough day up against an in-form Watkins who terrorised the defence all game. Photo: Shaun Botterill