Thomas Sorensen - 7 - Had to deal with quite a few bad back passes aswell as dealing with any chances, and crosses, Villa had. No chance with the goal
Robert Huth - 6 - Looked a bit out of sorts at full back, again, but after a tough ninety two minutes he popped up with the crucial winner
Ryan Shawcross - 5 - One of his poorer games for quite some time, probably since he was dropped a few games into our first season in the top flight. Bad back passes, mistimed tackles, erratic heading. I'm sure he'll bounce back on Saturday
A.D.Faye - 6 - Wasn't commanding but did have a slightly better than average game. Got his head to a lot of things and dealt with the pace of the Villa forwards quite well. Got caught on the ball a couple of times though
Danny Collins - 7 - The best performer in the backline. Give the pace in the Vill attackers he did remarkebly well to match them stride for stride on near enough every occasion and was there on vital times to block efforts at goal.
Rory Delap - 5 - Another fish out of water performance from Rory on the right. Has to be used sparingly from now on for me
Dean Whitehead - 7 - Energetic diplay that saw him involved at both ends and his driving runs of last season were back, along with his win at all costs tackling that get the crowd going
Marc Wilson - 7 - Showed ome great vision and passing was upto the job. Could be a real asset as a player who can spread the play from the middle of the park with two pacey wingers and two hungry strikers in the final third. Very promising display
Matthew Etherington - 8 - Six goals for Stoke this season and six assists for Etherington! Great instinctive crosses for the goals and also was able to pick out Jones on more than one occasion. Will be loving the Trinidadian in the front line as it gives him a target man who gets himself in the danger areas
Jon Walters - 6 - Not upto his initial performances but showed a great touch, workrate and link up play to more than merit his place. Will do well to keep Fuller out of the side on Saturday though
Kenwyne Jones - 7 - Had had a good to average game before he headed the equaliser, although he always looked dangerous and with the right delivery from the wings, and central midfield judging by his run onto the through ball first half, he will get to double figures easily this season
Ricardo Fuller - 8(Man of the Match) - Changed the game when he came on as he lfited the fans and made things happen in the final third. Trickery brought about numerous chances and it was his insightful ball that allowed Etherington to cross for Jones' equaliser before he went close to grabbing a goal himself after a biot of sublime skill.
Jermaine Pennant - 7 - Came on for his debut and gave the Potters another option on the wings. Got back and defended well aswell as bombing forward and forced the Villa defence onto the back foot with his pace and delivery
Glenn Whelan - 6 - Came on to try and help get a winner, and we did, although he wasn't involved in the goal itself. Had one free kick balloon over but struggled to assert himself in open play