Obafemi Martins blasted Newcastle out of the Premier League's relegation zone as Joe Kinnear's battlers claimed a second successive victory.
The Nigeria international scored for the second time in six days to hand his side a win which lifted them to 14th place, ahead of arch-rivals Sunderland on goal difference nine days after derby defeat had left the club wallowing in self-pity.
Having not had back-to-back league successes since April, six points from the visits of midlands duo West Brom and Villa inside a week represents a major boost for a side which had not kept a clean sheet since August 23.
In the event, Kinnear's men were good value for their victory after surviving a stern test of their resolve against one of the Premier League's emerging forces before killing off the game in devastating fashion without having to summon the fit-again Michael Owen from the bench until stoppage time.
It might have been so different had Gabriel Agbonlahor not miskicked in front of goal or Shay Given, making his 450th appearance for the club, not produced a fine stop to deny Ashley Young.
But the bulk of a crowd of 44,567 headed home hopeful a significant corner had been turned and would be able to look forward with renewed optimism despite the ongoing turmoil behind the scenes.
The Magpies could only look on over the weekend as wins for the likes of Wigan, Bolton and Tottenham sent them sliding to the foot of the table without kicking a ball.
That said, they knew a win over fifth-placed Villa would see them leap six positions, and that was all the incentive they needed.
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