Premier League - Crouch returns to haunt Villa in impressive Stoke win

Stoke City's Steven N'Zonzi celebrates scoring his teams third goal as Aston Villa's Ron Vlaar (right) stands dejected (PA Sport)

Premier League, Villa Park - Aston Villa 1 (Benteke 5) Stoke City 4 (Odemwingie 22, Crouch 26, N'Zonzi 42, Cameron 89)

Peter Crouch scored one and set up another as Stoke City came from behind to complete a 4-1 Premier League win at Aston Villa.

The former Villa striker commanded centre stage after Christian Benteke had slammed Fabian Delph's cutback into the net to give Paul Lambert's side the lead on five minutes.

Crouch's cushioned header allowed Peter Odemwingie to race through on goal to slide home the equaliser on 22 minutes before knocking an Erik Pieters pass into the net to give his side a 2-1 lead four minutes later.

Mark Hughes' side were more or less out of sight when Steven N'Zonzi finished off a delightful 12-pass move by stroking the ball into the net from Marko Arnautovic's pass on 42 minutes.

Geoff Cameron finished off the rout before a deserted Villa Park when he tucked away his side's fourth goal a minute from the end of normal time after some more intelligent play by Arnautovic in playing provider.

Stoke leapfrog Villa into 10th spot in the standings. They are three points clear of Villa with seven matches remaining of the season.

MAN OF THE MATCH
Peter Crouch (Stoke City): Looks to have struck up a decent partnership with Odemwingie for Mark Hughes' side. Stoke were excellent here. But particularly the former England forward.

TALKING POINT: Should Crouch be considered for a place in England's World Cup squad? On this performance, yes. He is in exceptional form, and would be a wildcard Roy Hodgson could trust. He also knows his way around the international scene. If Rickie Lambert is deemed a viable option, Crouch should certainly be considered. He is excellent on the ground. And fits snugly into Stoke's new ethos of passing football.

PLAYER RATINGS
Aston Villa: Guzan 6; Bacuna 5, Vlaar 5, Baker 5, Bertrand 5; Westwood 5 Delph El Ahmadi 4; Weimann 5, Benteke 6, Agbonlahor 5...subs: Sylla 5, Holt 6, Albrighton 6
Stoke City: Begovic 6; Pieters 7 , Shawcross 8, Wilson 8, Cameron 7; Arnautovic 8, Palacios 6, Whelan 6, N'Zonzi 7; Odemwingie 8, Crouch 8...subs: Muniesa 6

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