Villa are left reeling by Carroll

Six days after the Magpies' return to the top flight began in sobering fashion with a 3-0 defeat at Manchester United, they hit hapless Villa for six without reply to claim the victory which will prompt Joey Barton to shave off his much-ridiculed moustache.

John Carew let the home side off the hook when he skied a 10th-minute penalty high over the bar, but Newcastle were far more clinical when they got the opportunity.

Carroll stole the show with a fine treble after Barton had opened the scoring and Kevin Nolan had made it 2-0.

Nolan struck again at the finish before Carroll claimed the match ball in stoppage time to round off an impressive display.

A late header from Brede Hangeland – only minutes after he had scored an own goal and Nani had missed a penalty – gave Fulham a 2-2 draw at home to Manchester United.