Gabriel Agbonlahor brace gives Aston Villa victory

An 89th-minute strike from Gabriel Agbonlahor has earned Aston Villa three precious points against Norwich City in the Premier League this afternoon.

© PA Photos

Both sides struggled to create chances in a frantic opening, with Andreas Weimann finally testing Mark Bunn with a low strike required a strong save.

Villa were then forced to make an early change as Matthew Lowton was forced off with a thigh problem, ending his run of playing every minute in the Premier League this season for Paul Lambert's side.

Eric Lichaj quickly came on to deputise at full-back, with Norwich unable to profit as Robert Snodgrass failed to deliver with a free kick just outside the penalty area.

Javier Garrido then sent a dangerous curling cross into the box, with Grant Holt just unable to make proper contact with a diving header that went well wide of the target.

Villa then went close with a touch of fortune before the break, with Agbonlahor's deflected cross clipping the woodwork after taking a touch off Garrido.

Christian Beneteke was kept largely quiet by the home side as a frustrating first period ended in stalemate.

Ten minutes into the second half Villa broke the deadlock as Agbonlahor buried a measured finish into the far corner from 20 yards.

Hoolahan and Weimann then both missed gilt-edged chances at both ends with the game stretched as Norwich pushed for an equaliser.

With 16 minutes left, the home side were handed a lifeline as Joe Bennett conceded a penalty after bringing down Robert Snodgrass.

Holt made no mistake from the spot, sending Brad Guzan the wrong way with a powerful effort.

Norwich were unable to hold in the closing stages as Agbonlahor's pace proved decisive, with the forward racing onto a pass from Ashley Westwood before slotting from close range.

Villa held on in stoppage time to secure a second successive victory and ease their relegation fears, with Norwich still looking nervously over their shoulders.