It seemed like dejavu. Bank holiday Monday was a washout. And Aston villa let a lead slip for the second time in two days. Continuing the groundhog theme the equaliser came from a set play, something Aston Villa fans have become accustomed to.
The word on the street before this game, was do not expect a classic. It was even branded as ‘Elcrapico’. This could be the reason behind Villa averaging there lowest crowd of the season at 30,100. The 90 minutes that followed hardly got the pulses racing for the hardcore Villa supporters in attendance.
It took 17 minutes for a goalkeeper to be tested. Barry Bannan swung over a corner which was met by James Collins, but was directed straight at Begovic in the Stoke goal. Note Villa are the only team in the premier league not too score from a corner this season. But in the 31st minute a moment of pure quality electrified the claret and blue army. A one two at the edge of the box between Andreas Weimann and Stephen Ireland resulted in the young Austrian curling a delightful effort into the top left hand corner from 20 yards out. He celebrated with his fellow bodymoor academy members, who all seemed to share the same joy when the ball hit the net. But unfortunately it wouldn’t be good night Vienna. Warning signs were there when in first half stoppage time Shay Given looked uncomfortable dealing with Stoke set plays. Jonathan Walters directed a header on to the roof of the net with the last action of the first half, reminding Villa of the danger Stoke possess. Villa’s only clear chance of the second half fell to newly promoted skipper Gabriel Agbonlahor. But the Birmingham born striker, showed why he has failed to score in his previous 15 games. The wee man Bannan volleyed a delicious pass, cutting open the stoke defence, only for Gabby to scuff a left foot effort off for a throw in. Boss Alex Mcleish will expect better from the England forward, who is expected to fill the boots of the injured Darren Bent. Villa were forced into their first substitution when Stephen Warnock fell awkwardly on his ankle adding to the clubs ballooning injury list. Local lad Gary Gardner came on and was positioned on the left hand side, to many’s dismay. Stoke responded with a double change of their own with Peter Crouch and Jermaine Pennant entering the fray. And the arrival of Pennant was soon rewarded. A foul near the corner flag led to a stoke free kick. With the giants lined up, Pennant delivered a telling cross, which was converted by the big German Rob Huth. McLeish bemoaned the goal, and replays clearly show a slight push on James Collins whose task it was to stop Huth. The Achilles heel was struck again. In response big eck threw on the returning Charles Nzogbia, who was reported to be out for a month, only to be back within a week. Villa huffed and puffed but failed to create a clear chance. Andres Weimans deflected 30 yard effort being the best of them. Stoke continued it's aerial bombardment with corners and long throws by Delap and his javelin thrower apprentice Ryan Shotton. This led to a horrific head injury to Chris Herd who was in clear discomfort, after a clash of heads with the Stoke goalscorer Huth. Another one bit the dust, and Emile Heskey was thrown on for the finale. But the game petered out with no clear attempts by either side. Stoke were there typical dogged selves, playing an extreme direct game. Villa were a determined unit, with a clear lack of quality in possession. The kids showed great effort again though. Nathan Baker had his most steady game in a villa shirt, and Weimannshowed a glimpse of his finishing prowess. It was another point in the slow and draining run to stay clear of relegation. Another day another draw.
Jordan Treveil