Stoke City's Wilson Palacios

Aston Villa's Stephen Warnock lies injured before being taken off

Aston Villa's Andreas Weimann

Stoke City's Rory Delap (right) heads towards the goal during the Barclays Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham.

Aston Villa fans leave early during the Barclays Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham.

Aston Villa's Chris Herd

Aston Villa's Chris Herd (left) and Stoke City's Rory Delap (right) in action

Aston Villa's Andreas Weimann

Stoke City's Robert Huth celebrates scoring their first goal

Aston Villa's assistant manager Peter Grant

Stoke City's Asmir Begovic clashes with Ryan Shawcross and Gabriel Agbonlahor during the Barclays Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham.

Aston Villa's Andreas Weimann

Stoke City's Peter Crouch

Aston Villa's Andreas Weimann chases Stoke city's Ryan Shawcross (left) during the Barclays Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham.

Aston Villa's Barry Bannan

Aston Villa's Chris Herd and Stoke City's Rory Delap (right) in action