England forward Watkins is now the club's all-time top goalscorer in the Premier League, his 75th goal taking him past Gabriel Agbonlahor's tally of 74.

Villa's Jacob Ramsey was dismissed after a second yellow card with 10 minutes to go, adding a touch of jeopardy.

Antoine Semenyo flashed a shot just wide and Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved smartly from Evanilson.

There was a heart-in-mouth moment for the visitors in the final moments when Martinez made a fingertip save to keep out Semenyo's effort and Matty Cash cleared off the line.

Unai Emery's team, who have suffered the crushing disappointment of defeats in the Champions League quarter-finals and FA Cup semi-finals in recent weeks, can still finish the season on a high.