Christian Benteke scored twice to help Aston Villa move seven points clear of the relegation zone with a 4-1 victory over Norwich City at Villa Park.

Aston Villa's Zaire-born Belgian striker Christian Benteke jumps to score their first goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Norwich City at Villa Park in Birmingham on March 2, 2014 © Getty Images

Gary Hooper and Wes Hoolahan - who were both recalled to the starting lineup - justified their selection within four minutes of kickoff. The former Celtic hitman reached the byline before crossing for the Irishman to tap home from close range.

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.

The Belgium international struck gold again moments later, wriggling free of his marker to head home his team's second from a corner.

Leandro Bacuna fired beyond Ruddy via the post shortly after before a Sebastien Bassong own goal gifted the Villans a three-goal lead at the break.

Andreas Wiemann could have added a fifth for Paul Lambert's men midway through the second half but the Austrian blazed over the bar from a good position.

Second-half substitute Johan Elmander spurned a half chance to reduce the deficit on 75 minutes by dragging wide of Brad Guzan's post.

It proved as close as the Canaries would come to a consolation as Lambert's troops held out for an impressive win.