Aston Villa 4 Norwich 1: Paul Lambert hails ‘sensational’ Christian Benteke

Paul Lambert called on Aston Villa to build on their win over Norwich City after Christian Benteke inspired the home side to come from behind and win at Villa Park.

The Canaries had taken an early lead thanks to former Villa target Wes Hoolahan, who finished past Brad Guzan in the third minute. However, Benteke scored a brilliant overhead kick before notching his second goal of the game in the 27th minute to put Villa into the lead.

Benteke’s bicycle kick was sensational but the team goal for the third was brilliant too

Paul Lambert

Leandro Bacuna added a third with a smart finish following a quick counter-attack by the home side, with Sebastien Bassong netted an own goal four minutes before half-time.

Villa’s win hoists them into 11th in the Premier League table, and Lambert praised a fantastic performance after a slow start against Chris Hughton’s men.

“We’ve been threatening to do that over the last few weeks. We had a terrible start but all credit to the team for roaring back as they did,” Lambert told BBC Sport.

“The lads keep on going and all the goals were fantastic. Benteke’s bicycle kick was sensational but the team goal for the third was brilliant too.

“To win was important and we have to carry it on now.”

Villa captain Ron Vlaar heaped praise on team-mate Benteke, who took his Premier League tally to nine goals this season.

“All the chances we had in the first half were a goal. I don’t think we started that well, went one goal down and Christian Benteke showed what he’s capable of,” Vlaar added.

“We didn’t score many goals in the last few games but today it all felt right for us and we really needed this for ourselves and for everybody who loves Aston Villa. We were struggling a little bit but this was a massive win for us.”