Aston Villa ends winless run

London - Christian Benteke has scored his first goal in nine months as Aston Villa beat Crystal Palace 1-0 to end its nine-match winless run in the Premier League on Tuesday.

The Belgium striker — returning after a three-game ban — calmly sidefooted home the winning goal from the edge of the area in the 32nd minute, lifting Villa away from the relegation zone with a first victory since Sept. 13.

Palace slipped to its fifth loss in eight games and could only create half-chances as it lacked a quality final ball.

Andreas Weimann was denied by Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni late on as Villa threatened a second goal at Selhurst Park.