Norwich City ended 2015 with a much-needed three points as it saw off beleaguered Aston Villa 2-0 at Carrow Road.
Jonny Howson's expert volley and Dieumerci Mbokani's second-half header inflicted more misery on rock-bottom Aston Villa and handed Norwich City a 2-0 victory.
Manager Alex Neil underlined the importance of Monday's fixture at Carrow Road with Norwich languishing just above the Premier League relegation zone having won just once in its previous six outings.
And the message was heeded as Howson showed brilliant technique to fire past Brad Guzan in the first half, much to the delight of the home supporters.