After going behind one-nil in the third minute courtesy of a Michael Owen header, Aston Villa had a laclustre first half and Matrin O’Neill was visibly unhappy with his players as they headed to the dressing room at half-time.
The second half was a completely different story for the boys in Claret and Blue. Olof Mellberg and Stiliyan Petrov were replaced by Craig Gardner and Marlon Harewood and the impact was almost immediate. Marlon Harewoo’s pace combined well with Carew’s size and strength and Harewood had a chance almost straight from the kick-off as Villa’s renewed attacking intent was made clear.
Two minutes later Bouma scored his first goal for the club from 75 games after his shot from 20 yards out on the left side of the box was deflected into the net past a happless Shay Given, who injured his groin attempting to save the shot.
Three mintes after the equaliser Ashley Young crossed in superbly for Carew who used the back of his head to slot the ball home for 2-1.
Carew’s second goal came in the 72nd minute, as Newcastle were unable to clear a corner after an ineffective punch off the line by Harper came back toward goal and a weak clearing header by Nicky Butt went straight to Carew who headed the ball home with ease.
Aston Villa finished the game in the in the 90th minute after Steven Carr hand-balled in the box in desperation challenging for a high ball against the much larger Carew who smashed the following penalty into the back of the old onion bag, claiming his first hatrick for the club.
John Carew’s was Villa’s first hatrick at Villa Park since 1995.
“We had to try and do something at half-time,” O’Neill said. “Once we got the equaliser it gave us the momentum to finish the job. “
“I am naturally delighted. It was fantastic stuff in the second half. I thought the first half was getting away from us a bit and there was a definite hangover from the Fulham game,” continued O’Neill.
“I thought the substitutes had a big impact and made a real contribution. They added more drive and determination to our play – but that’s not knocking Olof and Stiliyan who have been big players for us this season.”
The win leaves Villa in 5th place on 44 points.
