Half-Time Report: Christian Benteke brace edges Aston Villa ahead against Queens Park Rangers

A Christian Benteke brace has helped Aston Villa come from a goal down against Queens Park Rangers to lead 2-1 at the break in this evening's Premier League clash at Villa Park.

© Getty Images

The hosts began the game brightly but were caught out when QPR's first foray forward led to the visitors breaking the deadlock.

Charlie Austin began the move by launching the ball into the area from the right flank, and with Villa's defence failing to clear, Bobby Zamora was able to keep it alive and send it the way of Matty Phillips, who duly headed home.

Tim Sherwood's charges responded in brilliant fashion as they levelled within two minutes, as Benteke collected the ball on the left before waltzing his way into the area and curling an effort past Rob Green.

With the game on a knife edge, both sides launched forward at every opportunity in a flurry of high-tempo football, though Villa would prove more impressive in the opposition's final third.

The third goal of the match would eventually fall to the hosts after 30 minutes, courtesy of the ever-dangerous Benteke, who collected a Gabriel Agbonlahor pass before charging forward and finishing confidently.