Aston Villa got what they deserved

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has stated that he feels that Aston Villa deserved a draw against his side in the 0-0 stalemate between the sides on Boxing Day.

Neither side could break the deadlock at the Britannia Stadium, and Pulis has praised the visiting centre half partnership as one of the main reasons for this.

“I thought it was going to be a very tough game. That’s their sixth draw away from home this season,” he told Sky Sports.

“We didn’t get out of the blocks as quickly as we’d like to but we have to give Villa some credit.

“Their two centre-halves, Richard Dunne and James Collins, were very good tonight,” he stated.

Stoke were without Peter Crouch for the fixture, and Pulis has spoken of the hitman’s importance to the team.

“We have to make sure Peter is well. He’s such an important player for us. When he’s ready we’ll play him,” he concluded.

Stoke stay in eighth place after the draw, and take on Wigan at home on Saturday.

By Gareth McKnight