Half-Time Report: Aston Villa cruise to healthy lead over Norwich City

Aston Villa have cruised to a 4-1 half-time lead over Norwich City at Villa Park this afternoon.

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The hosts had to come from behind to boast an advantage at the interval, though, as Wes Hoolahan tapped home a Gary Hooper cross on four minutes to give City an early lead.

Villa probed for the equaliser and soon found their reward through Benteke, who controlled a Ron Vlaar cross on his chest before producing a stunning overhead kick to restore parity.

Moments later the Belgium international had his second, heading past John Ruddy from a corner to give the Villans a 2-1 lead.

Leandro Bacuna doubled his team's lead on 37 minutes before Sebastien Bassong diverted a teasing cross into his own net.