Grant Holt and Simeon Jackson scored as Norwich City beat Aston Villa at Carrow Road to end their Premier League campaign on a high.
Many had expected Paul Lambert's Canaries to be battling at the wrong end of the table on their return to the Premier League after six seasons away.
However, a string of industrious displays kept Lambert's side clear of danger well before this final‑day visit of Aston Villa who, barring a monumental goals swing, were also secure of top-flight status, albeit after what has been an uninspiring campaign under Alex McLeish.
First-half goals from the leading scorer Holt and Jackson made for a party atmosphere in the Norfolk sunshine – where the several thousand Villa fans sent a loud and clear message that they expected better next season.
It was a strong start by the home side, who had been outclassed in their previous two matches here by Manchester City and Liverpool.
After Holt was booked for failing to retreat at a free-kick, the Norwich captain fired the Canaries in front after eight minutes. James Collins bundled over Jackson, 25 yards out on the right. Bradley Johnson floated the resulting free-kick into the Villa box, where Holt got up between two defenders at the far post, the ball cannoning off his shoulder and past Shay Given for a 15th Premier League goal.
Norwich continued to press and Jonny Howson let fly from 20 yards, with Given taking no chances as he turned the shot, which was going wide, around the post at full stretch.
The Villa goalkeeper was then let down by his static defence as Norwich went 2-0 up after 22 minutes. A long ball forward from Kyle Naughton was headed back across his own six-yard box by Carlos Cuéllar, straight into the path of Jackson.
Given was out quickly to make a smart block, but the diminutive Canada forward calmly slotted the rebound into an empty net.
Norwich had a strong shout for a penalty when Jackson's cross hit Cuéllar's outstretched arm – but the referee, Martin Atkinson, saw nothing untoward and waved play on.
Lambert has been touted as a potential candidate should Randy Lerner look to make a change at Villa Park during the summer – with both sets of fans chanting the Scotsman's name, one as a sign of appreciation and the other as a message to their board.
The visitors finally sprung to life five minutes before the break as the American defender Eric Lichaj strode to the edge of the Norwich penalty area and sent in a low shot which John Ruddy palmed around the post.
After the interval Jackson stretched the Villa backline. After 63 minutes, the Canadian, whose goal at Portsmouth this time last season had secured promotion to the top flight, sent a low, 20-yard effort goalwards, which Given turned behind at full stretch.
Villa were unfortunate not to pull a goal back when Gabriel Agbonlahor cut in from the left and his shot was touched on to the inside of the far post by Ruddy, with Russell Martin hacking the loose ball clear.
Norwich were still creating chances at the other end, where substitute Aaron Wilbraham blazed over before winger Elliott Bennett did the same. Read More
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