A less than enthralling game ended in a 0-0 scoreline between Stoke and Aston Villa at the Britannia Stadium. Stoke will take consolation from occupying eighth position during the Christmas period whilst Villa, still without a win on Boxing Day since 2005, will point to a disciplined defensive performance in which James Collins and Richard Dunne stood firm under the host's direct tactics.
A point was a fair result as neither side had the quality in the final third to trouble their opponents although the Potters Marc Wilson came closest with a header that hit the woodwork before being scrambled clear by Villa.
For the visitor's Nathan Delfouneso's saw a sliding effort saved by keeper Thomas Sorenson.
The final twenty minutes threatened some action as substitute Rory Delap subjected the Villa defence to some testing long throws, but overall this was a lacklustre performance that neither team deserved to win.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Venue: Britannia Stadium
Attendance: 27,739
Stoke scorers: Aston Villa scorers:
TRIBAL ASKS: The PL is often lauded as the best in the world but tonight failed on both skill and entertainment levels.
Yellow cards: Huth (STO), Whitehead (STO), Delap (STO)
