Aston Villa closed within four points of the Premier League summit with an impressive 2–0 win at Newcastle on Sunday, keeping their title hopes alive.
Emi Buendia opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a brilliant strike from outside the box. Ollie Watkins sealed the victory in the 88th minute, heading in Lucas Digne’s cross.
The win was Villa’s first at St James’ Park since 2005 and helped them bounce back from a shock 1–0 home defeat to Everton last weekend.
Newcastle, missing injured captain Bruno Guimaraes, struggled for inspiration and slipped to ninth, three points outside the top five.
Villa remain in contention for a first league title since 1981 and are firmly on course for a Champions League spot, holding an 11-point advantage over sixth-placed Manchester United.
In other action, Chelsea beat Crystal Palace 3–1 at Selhurst Park to climb into the top four. Goals from Estevao, Joao Pedro, and an Enzo Fernandez penalty secured the win.
The defeat added to Palace’s woes after manager Oliver Glasner announced he will leave at the end of the season. The Eagles are now winless in 11 games, just eight points above the relegation zone.
Nottingham Forest boosted their survival bid with a 2–0 win at Brentford, moving five points clear of the drop zone.
Leaders Arsenal can extend their advantage over Villa and Manchester City to seven points when they host Manchester United later on Sunday.
