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Norwich defender Michael Turner denied Paul Lambert a victory against his former club and ensured the Aston Villa boss's bold decision to drop Darren Bent would come under huge scrutiny.
Christian Benteke had appeared to justify Lambert's decision to axe Bent from his starting line-up for the third time in four matches with Villa's 27th minute opener.
But Villa were forced to defend desperately after left-back Joe Bennett's sending-off early in the second period before Turner earned the Canaries a deserved share of the spoils.
Fittingly the Norwich goal was created by Wes Hoolahan who was the most creative player on either side.
Villa have now won only one of their last 19 league matches and they were indebted to a trio of fine saves from keeper Brad Guzan for earning them a point.
Norwich fans greeted the arrival of Lambert into the dug-out with a chant of 'there's only one Chris Hughton' but there was no verbal animosity directed at their former manager.
Norwich, fresh from last weekend's win over Arsenal, knocked the ball around in confident fashion in the early stages.
But it was Villa midfielder Brett Holman who produced the first attempt on goal. He exchanged passes with Karim El Ahmadi before firing a low drive which Canaries keeper John Ruddy got his body behind.
Norwich looked full of confidence but Elliott Bennett dragged his shot well wide from the edge of the box.
It needed a fine save by Guzan to keep his side on level terms after 22 minutes. Grant Holt threaded the ball through to Hoolahan who was left with only Guzan to beat but the United States international managed to block the shot with his left foot. Guzan then cut out an attempted knock back across goal from Holt aimed at the unmarked Anthony Pilkington.
But then against the run of play Villa went ahead through Benteke's second goal since his £7million summer move from Genk after 27 minutes. Gabriel Agbonlahor held the ball up before releasing the overlapping Holman and his cross found Benteke completely unmarked. The Belgian international had time to pick his spot before sliding the ball past Ruddy into the corner of the net.
Villa defender Joe Bennett became the first player to be yellow carded for a challenge on Elliott Bennett. A long pass from Fabian Delph was brought under control by Benteke inside the Norwich box but his eventual shot was deflected wide.
Norwich made a half-time change with defender Russell Martin replaced by Ryan Bennett.
Villa were reduced to 10 men after 52 minutes when Joe Bennett collected a second yellow card for another offence against Elliott Bennett. It led to Lambert bringing off Agbonlahor and replacing Joe Bennett with Eric Lichaj at left-back.
Norwich had more of the possession with their numerical advantage but Elliott Bennett's poor touch let him down after a probing ball over the top of the Villa back four from Bradley Johnson. Villa defender Chris Herd was booked for persistent fouling after 62 minutes.
Guzan made his second crucial save of the game when he blocked a rising close range attempt from Hoolahan after Pilkington had supplied the telling pass.
Herd then made a crucial block on a Hoolahan header after Holt headed back across goal into his path before Bent replaced Benteke after 69 minutes.
Guzan was again Villa's saviour when he saved Holt's low drive after he broke clear but he had no chance of preventing Turner's equaliser after 79 minutes.
Pilkington's quickly taken corner picked out Hoolahan and his inswinging cross was met by Turner whose glancing header flew into the far corner of the net.
Norwich defender Michael Turner denied Paul Lambert a victory against his former club and ensured the Aston Villa boss's bold decision to drop Darren Bent would come under huge scrutiny.
Christian Benteke had appeared to justify Lambert's decision to axe Bent from his starting line-up for the third time in four matches with Villa's 27th minute opener.
But Villa were forced to defend desperately after left-back Joe Bennett's sending-off early in the second period before Turner earned the Canaries a deserved share of the spoils.
Points shared: Norwich defender Michael Turner (centre) celebrates scoring the equaliser late in the game
Match facts
Aston Villa: Guzan, Herd, Vlaar, Lowton, Bennett, Albrighton, El Ahmadi, Holman (Weimann 76), Delph, Agbonlahor (Lichaj 54), Benteke (Bent 70).
Subs not used: Given, Ireland, Westwood, Bannan.
Goals: Benteke 27
Booked: Herd
Sent off: Bennett
Norwich: Ruddy, Russell Martin (Ryan Bennett 46), Bassong, Turner, Garrido, Elliott Bennett (Snodgrass 64), Tettey, Johnson (Morison 70), Pilkington, Hoolahan, Holt.
Subs not used: Rudd, Howson, Jackson, Barnett.
Goals: Turner 79
Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)
Attendance: 33,184
Latest Premier League table and results
Subs not used: Given, Ireland, Westwood, Bannan.
Goals: Benteke 27
Booked: Herd
Sent off: Bennett
Norwich: Ruddy, Russell Martin (Ryan Bennett 46), Bassong, Turner, Garrido, Elliott Bennett (Snodgrass 64), Tettey, Johnson (Morison 70), Pilkington, Hoolahan, Holt.
Subs not used: Rudd, Howson, Jackson, Barnett.
Goals: Turner 79
Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)
Attendance: 33,184
Latest Premier League table and results
Villa have now won only one of their last 19 league matches and they were indebted to a trio of fine saves from keeper Brad Guzan for earning them a point.
Norwich fans greeted the arrival of Lambert into the dug-out with a chant of 'there's only one Chris Hughton' but there was no verbal animosity directed at their former manager.
Norwich, fresh from last weekend's win over Arsenal, knocked the ball around in confident fashion in the early stages.
But it was Villa midfielder Brett Holman who produced the first attempt on goal. He exchanged passes with Karim El Ahmadi before firing a low drive which Canaries keeper John Ruddy got his body behind.
Norwich looked full of confidence but Elliott Bennett dragged his shot well wide from the edge of the box.
It needed a fine save by Guzan to keep his side on level terms after 22 minutes. Grant Holt threaded the ball through to Hoolahan who was left with only Guzan to beat but the United States international managed to block the shot with his left foot. Guzan then cut out an attempted knock back across goal from Holt aimed at the unmarked Anthony Pilkington.
Predator: Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke opens the scoring in the first half with a smart finish
New hero: Benteke celebrates in front of the home fans after his strike against Norwich
Villa defender Joe Bennett became the first player to be yellow carded for a challenge on Elliott Bennett. A long pass from Fabian Delph was brought under control by Benteke inside the Norwich box but his eventual shot was deflected wide.
Roar of delight: Paul Lambert celebrates as Villa take the lead but his afternoon turned sour later in the game
Villa were reduced to 10 men after 52 minutes when Joe Bennett collected a second yellow card for another offence against Elliott Bennett. It led to Lambert bringing off Agbonlahor and replacing Joe Bennett with Eric Lichaj at left-back.
Axed: Darren Bent (left) sat on the bench next to Stephen Ireland after being dropped by manager Lambert
Guzan made his second crucial save of the game when he blocked a rising close range attempt from Hoolahan after Pilkington had supplied the telling pass.
Herd then made a crucial block on a Hoolahan header after Holt headed back across goal into his path before Bent replaced Benteke after 69 minutes.
Last line of defence: Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan (centre) punches the ball clear
On the attack: Norwich striker Grant Holt (second left) shoots at goal during the first half
Pilkington's quickly taken corner picked out Hoolahan and his inswinging cross was met by Turner whose glancing header flew into the far corner of the net.
Mixed day: Guzan makes a superb save from Wes Hoolahan (top) but can't hide his frustration after conceding (below)
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