Many had written Aston Villa off weeks ago, and though they failed to bring in any new faces during the January transfer window, they showed against Norwich this weekend that they’re not ready to lie down and accept relegation willingly.
An open first half saw both sides going for it and spreading the action out. Norwich themselves are keen to avoid the drop sitting in 17th, but their record on the road this term has been poor.
Both sides had their share of possession, with Norwich creating the most chances, but Villa drew first blood on the stroke of half time thanks to a header from Birmingham-born Joleon Lescott.
Villa were quickest out the blocks at the start of the second half, too, keen to pick up where they left off, and the Claret & Blue faithful only had five minutes to wait as the hosts doubled their lead.
Gabby Agbonlahor, who hadn’t scored for nearly a year, latched on to a fine threaded through ball to slip one past the onrushing Declan Rudd.
It was a nervy finish for the bottom boys, though, as Norwich poured forward in search of their own salvation, but Villa were able to hand on and have now closed the gap between them and safety to a single digit.
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