The 4-1 win for Martin O'Neill's men means Kevin Keegan is still seeking a first win in his second spell as Newcastle manager and the Magpies have now gone nine games without a victory.

Keegan must have thought he was on course for victory as Michael Owen gave the visitors a half-time lead.

But Wilfred Bouma scored immediately after half-time, and a treble from forward Carew ensured the game was turned on its head.

Villa are now back on course for European football next season but Newcastle are edging ever closer to the relegation battle.

Ashley Young returned for Villa after suspension while Newcastle dropped Charles N'Zogbia and Emre, bringing in James Milner and Habib Beye.

Alan Smith and Owen were partnered in attack for the visiting side, who needed just four minutes to find the net.

With their first attack, Milner floated a cross from the left flank deep into the Aston Villa penalty area.

Owen arrived at the near post to guide a header into the net, via a deflection from the hand of Gareth Barry.

England midfielder Barry came close to equalising on 14 minutes as his 20-yard left footed strike was blocked in the penalty area by Joey Barton, but claims for a handball by the Newcastle man were dismissed by referee Lee Mason.

Villa seemed hard done by, particularly as Barton appeared to push Shaun Maloney to the ground in the build-up to the effort.

Chances were few and far between for the rest of the half, but five minutes before the break, Villa must have thought they had found a breakthrough.

After a long spell of Newcastle domination, the home side won a free kick.

Young swept it into the area and Given reacted superbly to keep out Carew's glancing header.

The home side started the second half with more intent, Olof Mellberg and Stiliyan Petrov having replaced by Craig Gardner and Marlon Harewood.

And Aston Villa pulled the scores even within three minutes of the re-start. Shaun Maloney teased Habib Beye on the left side of the area, before laying the ball off to Bouma.

The Dutch full-back cut onto his right foot to hit the ball towards goal, and saw his effort deflect into the net to mark his first goal for the club in 76 appearances.

By the 51st minute the game had turned around. Newcastle's marking had been slack all afternoon, so it was no real surprise when Young's corner from the left was flicked into the net by Norwegian striker Carew.

Newcastle were forced to replace goalkeeper Shay Given on 54 minutes, Steve Harper taking his place. Harper had little to do for 15 minutes, at which point he made a good low stop to tip away a low shot from Gardner.

Sixty seconds later he made an even better stop, again from Gardner.

However, there was little he could about the crucial third goal on 72 minutes, which came from the resulting corner.

Newcastle's defence failed to clear the ball, and Carew eventually headed home from close range.

In the final minute Stephen Carr handled in his own area, and Carew drilled home from the penalty spot to complete his first hat-trick in English football. -- AFP