Player Grades: Aston Villa defeats Norwich City 4-2

COLCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Conor Hourihane of Aston Villa shoots at goal as he is challenged by James Bree of Colchester during the Carabao Cup First Round match between Colchester United and Aston Villa at Colchester Community Stadium on August 9, 2017 in Colchester, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
COLCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Conor Hourihane of Aston Villa shoots at goal as he is challenged by James Bree of Colchester during the Carabao Cup First Round match between Colchester United and Aston Villa at Colchester Community Stadium on August 9, 2017 in Colchester, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Aston Villa recovered league points by defeating Norwich City 4-2 at home. A second half scare was reduced by Conor Hourihane hammering home the club’s third and fourth goals.

Steve Bruce put his money where his mouth is by backing-up everything he said mid-week. He put Aston Villa in a position to succeed today, and it showed (mostly).

With Scott Hogan slowed by an ankle injury, 19-year old Keinan Davis got the start as the lone target-forward. Man, did he put a shift in. Davis impressed thoroughly and early – assisting Conor Hourihane’s opening goal. Josh Onomah played in Davis who put a sharp ground cross to a running Hourihane.

Later in the first half, André Green dribbled in from the left and unleashed a wicked curler into the top corner. 2-0 Villa at halftime. Norwich came out firing early in the second, as Josh Murphy ran rampant against the Villa right flank.

Conor Hourihane was the savior, though, with a second half brace to complete his hat-trick. He nearly scored a fourth, too.

Our instant player grades:

Aston Villa continue on Tuesday in The Carabao Cup second-round against Wigan Athletic. It will be a return of the Callum O’Hare show.