Ollie Watkins hat-trick sees Aston Villa stun Liverpool
Sensational 7-2 victory for Villa
Ollie Watkins fired Aston Villa to second place in the Premier League with a perfect hat-trick in a sensational 7-2 win over champions Liverpool on Sunday.
The England striker netted three times in the first half as Villa produced a stunning performance to inflict Liverpool's heaviest defeat since 1963.
Jack Grealish also starred for Villa, providing assists for Watkins' second and third goals and scoring the hosts' fifth.
Liverpool, who had won their previous four league games, were left shell-shocked by Villa's attacking brilliance.
The result sees Villa move above Liverpool into second place in the table, while Jurgen Klopp's side drop to fifth.
It was a remarkable performance from Villa, who had lost their previous two league games.
Dean Smith's side took the lead in the fourth minute when Watkins headed home Grealish's cross.
Watkins doubled Villa's lead in the 22nd minute with a clinical finish after being played in by Grealish.
And the striker completed his hat-trick in the 39th minute with a superb solo effort, rounding Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker before slotting home.
Liverpool pulled a goal back through Mohamed Salah in the 57th minute, but Villa restored their three-goal advantage through Grealish in the 66th minute.
Salah reduced the deficit again in the 71st minute, but Villa substitute Ross Barkley sealed the win with a stunning goal in the 81st minute.
Ezri Konsa added a seventh for Villa in the 89th minute to complete the rout.
It was a memorable day for Villa and a day to forget for Liverpool.
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