Goals from substitutes Ollie Watkins, Donyell Malen and John McGinn helped Aston Villa to a 0-3 win over Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium and fire them into the top five of the Premier League.

The visitors were left frustrated in the first half as the Saints parked the bus and Villa failed to break their deep defence.

Southampton could have sparked a surprise when former Villan Cameron Archer broke free on the counter-attack, but he was unable to beat Emi Martinez in the Villa goal.

Despite Villa’s domination, the first real chance came through Amadou Onana, who unleashed a long-range shot, but Aaron Ramsey was equal to his effort, parrying the ball wide of the goal.

Midway through the second half, substitute Watkins was played through only to be brought down in the penalty box. Sergio Asensio stepped up but was denied by Ramsey to keep the game level.

Villa eventually broke the deadlock with 17 minutes left on the clock. Youri Tielemens played a beautiful lofted through ball for Watkins, who was able to get his foot onto the ball and chip it over Ramsey to make it 0-1.

Moments later, the visitors doubled their lead when Morgan Rogers picked out Malen who fired his shot into the bottom corner.

The rout was complete when Villa were rewarded a second penalty of the afternoon, but once again Ramsey denied Asensio but this time McGinn was first to the rebound to get Villa’s third of the afternoon.