Ollie Watkins bagged a first-half hat-trick as sensational Aston Villa claimed a stunning 7-2 victory over reigning Premier League champions Liverpool.

Clinical Villa were scintillating as they registered a truly memorable triumph in what was a pulsating encounter.

Captain Jack Grealish bagged a second-half brace while new loan signing Ross Barkley and John McGinn also got in on the act as Villa, who led 4-1 at the interval, started a league campaign with three successive wins for the first time since 1962/63.

The Villans led after only four minutes when Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian conceded possession to Jack Grealish, who teed up Watkins for a simple finish.

Barkley came close to adding a second just minutes later after a sweeping move, while Emi Martinez saved well from Roberto Firmino at the other end.

Martinez had to be alert to again save from Firmino in the 21st minute as an enthralling game flowed from end to end.

And it was Villa who doubled their advantage shortly afterwards, Watkins with a surging run down the left before cutting inside Gomez in the area and firing a superb finish into the top corner.

Martinez tipped over from Diogo Jota and Barkley sent another clear-cut opening just wide of a post, before the visitors reduced the arrears courtesy of Salah’s drilled finish from 12 yards.

Barkley again worked an opportunity, his near-post shot saved by Adrian and, from the resulting corner, the Reds could only clear to the edge of the area where McGinn was on hand to drill home a superb volley, which deflected off Virgil van Dijk, to make it 3-1.

Watkins’ hat-trick header made the score 4-1 and 10 minutes after half-time, Ross Barkley added a fifth.

Salah pulled another goal back on the hour but Grealish’s double on 66 and 75 minutes completed the comprehensive victory.

Aston Villa now have three wins from three while Liverpool are fifth, also on nine points.

Photo Credit: premierleague.com