Norwich got the perfect start when Wes Hoolahan scored a tap-in from a Gary Hooper cross and they were looking good until Christian Benteke scored a spectacular overhead volley midway through the half.

After that, Villa scored another three goals in 16 minutes from Benteke, Leandro Bacuna and a Sebastien Bassong own goal to blow away Norwich, with the first half glut of goals ending the match as a contest.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action.

Match statistics

Villa
Shots: 10
On target: 4
Possession: 56%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 12

Norwich
Shots: 7
On target: 4
Possession: 44%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 10

Was the result fair?

Yes, although if this question had been posed 25 minutes in then it would have certainly been harsh on Norwich. After a slow start Villa came back into the game and, masterminded by the power of Benteke, blew their visitors away in a 16-minute spell. After Villa went 2-1 ahead, Norwich could not get any attacking moves going and the hosts were able to control the rest of the game with ease.

Villa's performance

The home fans had already started to get on the back of the Villa players before Benteke's equaliser, which means that it definitely took them a while to get into the game. Villa were deservedly behind, but should get a huge amount of credit for the turnaround. The 16-minute spell of goals saw the best of Benteke and a really high-class goal on the counter. In all, they were too strong for Norwich this afternoon.

Norwich's performance

Around 20 minutes into the game Norwich were passing and moving with confidence, but what a difference a goal or two makes. After Benteke scored his quick brace, Norwich found themselves second to every ball and at times could not even find a teammate with a pass. The goals knocked the stuffing out of them and most worrying for Chris Hughton will be that when the second went in they never even looked like getting back into the game. Not a good omen for a possible relegation battle.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Christian Benteke:

Gabriel Agbonlahor caused a lot of trouble with his pace and movement, but key to the revival was the big Belgian Benteke. His first goal was out of the very top drawer as he chested a Ron Vlaar punt forward before hooking in on the volley and his second goal showed sheer power to beat Bassong to the ball and head in. Without Benteke leading the line today, it is highly questionable whether they would have got back in the game.

Biggest gaffe

This must go to Bassong, but not for the own goal he scored, which he could have done very little about. Instead, his marking of Benteke for Villa's second was terrible. He was too easily outmuscled and outmoved, and it was the goal that really knocked the stuffing out of his side. In general throughout the game Bassong had very few answers to Benteke and was second best in most areas.

Referee performance

Anthony Taylor had a couple of calls to make and he dealt with every one correctly. In the first half Alexander Tettey went in high on Nathan Baker, with the home fans calling for a red. Instead, Taylor took his time and showed a correct yellow card. There was also a shout for the home team for handball in the box, but once again Taylor was correct. He had a very good game.

What next?

Villa: Tonight's hosts travel to take on Manchester City on Saturday, which makes the win today all the more timely.

Norwich: The Canaries have far from the easiest of run-ins, but their home game against Stoke City next represents another chance to get beyond 30 Premier League points.