Watkins claims hat-trick as Villa hit Brighton for six

A hat-trick from England striker Ollie Watkins fired Aston Villa to a sensational 6-1 thrashing of high-flying Brighton and Hove Albion.

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Brighton travelled to the Midlands having only lost once all season, but they were put to the sword by a rampant Villa side in the first half, with a Watkins double and Pervis Estupinan own goal catapulting the hosts into a 3-0 lead by half time.

Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson was replaced at half-time by Ansu Fati, with the on-loan Barcelona player plundering his first goal since joining the Seagulls early in the second half to give the visitors some hope, but Watkins' third put the game to bed in the 65th minute, and all in front England manager Gareth Southgate.

"It is nice when he (Southgate) is here but I want to perform and score every game," Watkins told TNT Sports.

"There have been a few times this season when I have been disappointed and there is always a chance to put it right. I am going to enjoy it.

Jacob Ramsey and Douglas Luiz added to the humiliation with two late goals to crown another fine victory for Villa, who move up to fourth in the Premier League standings on 15 points, level with Brighton in third.

"Collectively, we were second to none," Watkins said.

The Seagulls came into the early-kick off having convincingly got the better of Manchester United in their last Premier League away match, continuing to draw plaudits under coach Roberto de Zerbi.

However, they were simply no match for another of the Premier League's in-form sides at Villa Park, as Villa raced into an early lead through Watkins, who finished well from close range.

Villa then capitalised on a poor error from Joel Veltman to create another opening for Watkins, with the former