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A sensational first-half hat-trick from Ollie Watkins helped Aston Villa to a stunning 7-2 victory over Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday to end the champions' 100% start to the season in extraordinary fashion.
Liverpool started badly at Villa Park as a poor pass from Adrian — deputizing for Alisson in goal for the visitors after the Brazilian picked up a shoulder injury — gifted Watkins the opener in the fourth minute.
Oh NO, Adrián!
Mistake at the back for Liverpool and Villa are 1-nil up! #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/0Gx6BApQ1T— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 4, 2020
If there was an element of good fortunate about Watkins' first goal in a Villa shirt, his second was all his own fine work as he cut inside before firing into the top corner to stun the champions and make it 2-0 in the 22nd minute.
IT'S TWO FOR OLLIE WATKINS! #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/Wvy4NPLJ7T
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 4, 2020
Mohamed Salah's fine left-foot finish seemed to get Liverpool back in the game in the 33rd minute, but John McGinn's deflected strike two minutes later restored Villa's two-goal advantage.
And just like that, the champions are back in it!
Salah's hundredth Premier League goal came EASY. #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/2Fhhgt5qsH— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 4, 2020
UNLUCKY FOR VIRGIL.
The deflection restores Villa's two goal lead! #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/1EnLaJsNeX— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 4, 2020
Watkins completed his hat-trick inside 39 minutes, with former Everton midfielder Ross Barkley — making his debut after joining Villa on loan — making it five, 10 minutes into the second half.
OLLIE. WATKINS. HAT. TRICK.
VILLA IS 4-1 UP ON LIVERPOOL BEFORE THE HALF! pic.twitter.com/2bmc8soKSx— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 4, 2020
ROSS BARKLEY MAKES IT FIVE! #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/LwauBLhhUe
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 4, 2020
Salah did give Liverpool hope on the hour mark, before a late double from Grealish completed a remarkable victory for the team who just avoided relegation last season.
This game is WILD.
Mo Salah slots home his second beautifully! Liverpool aren't done yet pic.twitter.com/JGUi0E6y4P— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 4, 2020
Another deflection and Aston Villa have SIX. ! #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/SIxjUzAKuw
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 4, 2020
GREALISH. IT'S SEVEN. 7. +. . #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/SfnYJXVeL4
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 4, 2020
