Aston Villa

2.62

• 
  2

  0

  3.00

  Bradley Guzan

  Hardly had to lift a finger all afternoon as Stoke failed to register a single effort on target.

• 
  0

  0

  3.00

  Ciaran Clark

  Would have expected a tough afternoon against a powerful Stoke frontline but dealt with a lacklustre Kenywne Jones with ease

• 
  2

  1

  2.00

  Eric Lichaj

  On the left-hand side of midfield he works tirelessly protecting his full-back and although a natural defender he needed to contribute more going forward.

• 
  2

  0

  3.00

  Nathan Baker

  Maturing into a very good defender. Lambert rates the youngster and as do the Villa faithful with Baker improving with every game.

• 
  0

  0

  2.00

  Matthew Lowton

  A steady performance but on a day of little defending he could have overlapped more often.

• 
  0

  0

  2.50

  Brett Holman

  The Australian can run all day, but Lambert did not let him as he was replaced by Ireland.

• 
  0

  0

  3.00

  Ashley Westwood

  Kept the Villa side ticking alongside Bannan, but they need to take it in turns going forward to support the front men.

• 
  0

  0

  2.00

  Barry Bannan

  Scampered about picking up the loose ends but his longer passing and set pieces were poor from someone who prides themselves so highly on them.

• 
  0

  0

  3.00

  Chris Herd

  Lucky to stay on after a clumsy lunge in the first half but is incredibly reliable for Villa in a number of positions.

• 
  0

  0

  3.00

  Gabriel Agbonlahor

  Was direct and lightning quick and was a constant menace for the Stoke defence.

• 
  14

  0

  3.50

  C. Benteke Top of the Match

  The focal point of everything Villa do. Some superb hold-up play and neat touches for a guy who resembles a battering ram.

Substitutions

• 
  0

  0

  2.00

  Stephen Ireland

  Came on for Holman and will be priceless, once he gets himself fit.

• 
  0

  0

  Fabian Delph

  Replaced Bannan for the closing stages.

• 
  0

  0

  2.00

  Darren Bent

  Came on to a rapturous reception but barely had a touch and appeared to be running into Benteke's space.

Stoke

2.04

• 
  12

  0

  2.50

  Asmir Begovic

  Villa were much the better side but Begovic was not forced into anything other than routine saves.

• 
  5

  0

  1.50

  Geoff Cameron

  Has looked a real find this season but looked uncomfortable at times against the burly Benteke and lively Agbonlahor.

• 
  1

  0

  3.00

  Robert Huth

  Does Huth ever have a bad game? Imperious in everything he does.

• 
  0

  0

  2.50

  Ryan Shawcross

  The leader in a watertight back line but was walking a thin line with a number of lunging tackles that could have been seen as reckless.

• 
  0

  0

  2.50

  Ryan Shotton

  Swapped between the right-back slot and part of a central back three and looked at ease in both. Was lucky to get away with being at fault for a goal after misjudging a high ball aimed for Benteke.

• 
  0

  0

  1.50

  Glenn Whelan

  Has been in fine form of late but never got any kind of passing going today.

• 
  0

  0

  1.50

  Steven N'Zonzi

  A really talented footballer but was part of a Stoke midfield that was unable to hold possession for any amount of time.

• 
  1

  0

  2.00

  Dean Whitehead

  A Stoke stalwart that gives everything for his manager but there was a distinct lack of quality about his play.

• 
  0

  0

  2.00

  Matthew Etherington

  Dropped into left-wing back as Stoke went to five in defence and after running his socks off he was replaced by Cameron Jerome.

• 
  1

  0

  1.00

  Kenwyne Jones

  A rare start after a couple of useful cameos but was woeful today before being hauled off for Crouch.

• 
  0

  0

  2.00

  Jonathan Walters

  A workmanlike effort from a forward who chases lost causes in an attempt to take some pressure of his defence.

Substitutions

• 
  0

  0

  2.50

  Peter Crouch

  Came on for the hapless Jones and Stoke looked a very bigger threat after that.

• 
  0

  0

  2.00

  Cameron Jerome

  Got the last 20 minutes replacing Etherington but it was largely innocuous cameo.