Aston Villa Thrash Liverpool 7-2 to Move Second in the Premier League

Ollie Watkins Bags Hat-Trick as Villa Dominate Champions

Aston Villa produced a sensational performance to thrash reigning Premier League champions Liverpool 7-2 on Monday night, with Ollie Watkins scoring a first-half hat-trick.

The victory moved Villa up to second place in the table, above Liverpool, and was their biggest win over the Reds since 1963.

Watkins opened the scoring in the fourth minute, before Jack Grealish doubled the lead just two minutes later.

Mohamed Salah pulled one back for Liverpool, but Watkins restored Villa's two-goal advantage before the break.

Ross Barkley made it 4-1 in the second half, before Sadio Mane reduced the deficit for Liverpool.

However, Villa were not to be denied, and Watkins completed his hat-trick in the 89th minute.

Anwar El Ghazi then added a seventh for Villa in stoppage time.

The result was a stunning upset, and will give Villa fans belief that they can challenge for a European place this season.

Liverpool, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back when they travel to Arsenal on Saturday.