Everton missed the chance to go back to the top of the Premier League after a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford found himself taken out of the firing line as Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti handed Robin Olsen a debut.
The Swede made a decent block from Allan Saint-Maximin to help keep the game goalless at half-time.
Callum Wilson scores from the spot (Alex Pantling/PA)
But Newcastle broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when Callum Wilson converted a penalty after being fouled by Andre Gomes at a corner.
Everton, missing the likes of playmaker James Rodriguez and suspended Brazilian frontman Richarlison, could not find a way back into the match.
Wilson wrapped up victory with a second goal five minutes from time when he slotted in after Ryan Fraser’s cross had deflected up off Everton defender Yerry Mina.
The visitors had a goal ruled out by VAR for a marginal offside call against Che Adams after only three minutes before Theo Walcott then struck the crossbar.
England international Ward-Prowse, celebrating his 26th birthday, then set up Jannik Vestergaard to head in the opener on 20 minutes from a free-kick.
Ward-Prowse then curled a fine 25-yard free-kick into the top corner to make it 2-0 after 33 minutes before then drilling in another dead-ball special past Emiliano Martinez just before the break.
James Ward-Prowse curls in a free-kick (Michael Steele/PA)
Danny Ings scored Southampton’s fourth after 58 minutes, and Tyrone Mings then pulled one back for Villa.
The home side reduced the deficit in stoppage time with a penalty from Ollie Watkins with Jack Grealish driving in another late consolation.
Southampton climb to third place, level on points with Everton and three off leaders Liverpool.
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