Eddie Howe has warned Newcastle they have achieved nothing yet despite their blistering start to the Premier League season.
The rejuvenated Magpies are fourth in the table after Saturday’s 4-0 win over at St James’ Park, with 24 points from their first 13 games and boasting the best defensive record in the division.
At the same stage last season – two fixtures into Howe’s reign and shortly after the club’s Saudi-backed takeover – they were bottom with six points and in deep trouble.
But Howe said: ‘We have got lots of improvement left in individuals and the team collectively.
‘The competition is very, very high and if we drop our levels, we’ll find it difficult. So as much as I want the players to enjoy it, I want them to really focus on the challenges ahead.’
Callum Wilson, watched by England boss Gareth Southgate, opened the scoring with a penalty in first-half stoppage-time.
Wilson doubled his tally with a 56th-minute header and was denied a hat-trick when substitute goalkeeper Robin Olsen, who replaced the concussed Emiliano Martinez, saved his shot only for Joelinton to tuck in the rebound. Wilson then hit the crossbar before in-form Miguel Almiron made it 4-0.
By contrast, new Villa boss Unai Emery will take up his post this week with plenty of work to do.
