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Stoke are not mid-table and safe from any relegation fears for no reason.

The Potters may be unattractive on the eye, especially away from home, but they sure know how to grind out results.

Mark Hughes’ men weathered an early storm from Villa as the hosts started the contest full of hope and belief.

Confidence was high and Aston Villa should have kicked on after taking the lead but they went the other way.

Stoke recorded a fifth away win of the season - the most they’ve ever managed in the Premier League.

Photos from Villa v Stoke

Villa meanwhile are on a desperate run of six defeats on the bounce.

When things are going against you, it’s rare that you get the rub of the green.

Villa have, arguably, been unlucky at times this season. But the latest defeat was their own doing.

Vlaar has typically been a consistent performer, if not one of the club’s most solid defenders.

But in two minutes of madness his game just crumbled.

A strong tackle on Victor Moses in the final minute of normal time saw him pick up only his second booking of the season.

Seconds later he had failed to clear the danger in the penalty area and hauled down Moses again to receive another yellow card.

He’ll now miss the trip to Newcastle - a game that Villa desperately need to win.