MX23RW : Monday, January 6 12:18:46| >> :60:2821:2821:

10-man Aston Villa hold on for draw with Norwich City

Michael Turner heads home late on to earn Norwich City a deserved draw with 10-man Aston Villa.

Aston Villa have made their worst start to a season in 44 years after being held to a draw by Norwich City at Villa Park.

Michael Turner celebrates equalising for Norwich© PA Photos

The hosts, who took the lead through Christian Benteke, had to play almost half the match with 10 men after Joe Bennett was given his marching orders early in the second half.

Michael Turner headed home 11 minutes from time to earn the Canaries a well-deserved point.

The first real chance of the game fell to Wes Hoolahan, who was denied from six yards by the outstretched leg of Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

Benteke fired Villa in front on 26 minutes, collecting Brett Holman's clever square pass before beating John Ruddy with a clinical finish from 10 yards.

The Belgium international went close to doubling his tally late in the first half, but his left-footed effort from close range was deflected wide.

Martin O'Neill's men made a dreadful start to the second period, as Joe Bennett was shown a second yellow card within seven minutes of the restart for pulling back Elliott Bennett on the halfway line.

The Villa defender had earlier picked up an equally soft booking for a foul on Hoolahan in the first half.

Norwich began to use their numerical advantage well and laid siege to the Villa goal.

Hoolahan was again denied by Guzan - as was Grant Holt after being put through one on one.

The equaliser deservedly came on 79 minutes, as Turner rose highest to plant Hoolahan's whipped corner beyond Guzan at the far post.

Villa, who are now winless in six games, were booed off at the final whistle.

ID:51859: cacheID:51859:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4033:
Written by
Robert Summerscales
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Norwich City's Bradley Johnson and Aston Villa's Marc Albrighton
Read Next:
Half-Time Report: Benteke gives Villa lead
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1911442619737
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1944113142-1116
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!