Callum Wilson scored twice as Newcastle United continued their impressive form by thrashing Aston Villa at St James' Park.

With England boss Gareth Southgate in attendance, World Cup hopeful Wilson converted from the penalty spot six minutes into first-half injury time after Villa defender Ashley Young used his arm to block a Miguel Almiron effort.

Wilson beat Villa's substitute goalkeeper Robin Olsen from the spot after he replaced Emiliano Martinez, who was withdrawn after taking a blow to the head from team-mate Tyrone Mings.

The Newcastle striker doubled his side's lead when he headed home from close range, with Joelinton and the in-form Almiron wrapping up a fifth win in six games for Eddie Howe's side, who were denied a move up to third place in the table by Tottenham's late winner at Bournemouth.

Wilson later said: "It was a great performance. For 35 minutes we were slow and were not really ourselves. It was becoming frustrating. In the second half we blew them away.

"To be honest I was frustrated [denied hat-trick when header hit bar]. It just wasn't going to happen. Nevertheless we got the three points. I got two goals and one assist. I will take that.

"We don't get carried away. We have to keep this form going. It was a fantastic club when I first joined but my first few games was in lockdown and I had no fans."