Perhaps more workman like than spectacular, but job done and it’s a good day at the office for Aston Villa. Substitute John Carew’s 61st minute goal was the ultimate difference between the teams at Villa Park, but Villa’s quality shone through and they thoroughly deserved to edge back into third place in the Premiership.

MON put out an unchanged side for the fourth game running and who can blame him since they do say that you shouldn’t change a winning team. Heskey was forced off after 24 minutes though and while you might not describe him as “unplayable” today, John Carew, who came on to replace Heskey, definitely had one of his ‘on’ games.

Stoke started brightly, but Villa controlled much of the first half. They carved out a number of strong chances with Petrov stinging Sorensen’s gloves and Gabby forcing a double save on the follow up. Carew also went close at the near post after Ash sent in a great centre. Despite at least another half-dozen efforts on goal from outside the box, the teams went into the break all square.

The second half picked up where the first left off, although Stoke gave several warnings that they were more than capable of scoring if Villa let their concentration drop as they were guilty of in both games against this opposition last season. Fortunately our defensive unit are dogged and determined as well as skilled and organised. It’s hard to single any of the back four out, they’re all willing to fight to the last to prevent Brad Friedel being called into action. Four straight clean sheet in the league speaks for itself.

Carew broke the stalemate as the game tipped into the last third with an unstoppable header just yards out after forcing himself onto the end of Ashley Young’s right sided cross. It was a case of reaping the well deserved rewards from a display of brute force and determination. Carew created a handful of chances for others as well as one or two more for himself.

The goal meant enough that he kicked the corner flag in sheer jubilation, sending it flying into the crowd of celebrating fans. It may have hit one of the adoring kids, but Carew checked that they were OK before the game restarted and then headed over after the final whistle to offer an apologetic kiss and the very shirt from his back. Someone will treasure that.

The home side looked more than capable of doubling their lead during the final 30 minutes, but it was more a case of professionally seeing out the game to secure the 3 points. Having suffered late disappointments against Stoke twice last season, I’m sure all fans would have welcomed the relative security of a second goal, but in the end it wasn’t necessary.

The 3 points temporarily move us back into third place above Arsenal who are about to take on Hull at Emirates. Tottenham and Man City both won, so the gap below us remains 2 and 6 points respectively. The best news today is that Liverpool and Man Utd also lost leaving the Scousers trailing 8 points below us and Man Utd a tantalizing 2 points ahead.

And finally, late breaking news coming out of Eastlands right now is that Man City have scheduled a press conference to “make an announcement”. No word what it’s about, but obviously speculation about Mark Hughes’ future is rife, despite today’s 4-3 win over Sunderland. Very interesting.

The players will obviously have some time off for Christmas before taking on Arsenal on December 27th. Here’s to hoping that they all have a great Christmas and come back fired up, confident and ready to extend our 100% record over Sky Four teams!!

Statshack and whatnot at some point, but my neighbours are staring at the foot deep snow outside my house with a look of venom so I better grab my shovel I guess!!