Thomas Sorenson - 7 - Had little to do by way of shot stopping but held all crosses well and distribution was good
Robert Huth - 7 - Solid at right back as he was moved from the centre once more. Got on the end of set pieces reguarly in both boxes nad had one thunderous shot that was unfortunately straight at Friedel
Abdoulaye Faye - 8 - Another improved performance from the skipper. Not spotless but better than he has been and he won almost everything in the air and stayed strong against the physical pairing of Carew and Heskey
Danny Higginbotham - 7 - Was given the task of strangling the threat posed by Carew and Heskey and coped well on his return from injury. Will be disappointed he didn't net the winner as he had a hat trick of good opportunities at set pieces.
Danny Collins - 7 - Had a solid game, but did allow Villa one chance which they didn't take. Was good on the ball and started a few attacks from his left back position
Dean Whitehead - 7 - Another game out on the right. Not best suited to the wide role, can;t use his fantastic energy as well but still got stuck in, never left his full back exposed and still was able to put in a few goods crosses that won corners and throw ins
Rory Delap - 8 - Throw ins caused panic but were all dealt with well in the end. Put himself about, closed down, tracked back, got forward and kept the ball moving in the final third.
Glenn Whelan - 8 - Passed the ball well, was always looking to bring teammates into the game and put his foot on the ball before passing it off to the best option.
Matthew Etherington - 7 - Not his most fluent showing but full of running and was a more than useful outlet on the wing. Was the main man during the first period but wasn't used as much in the second period as the Potters were able to let Fuller wreak havoc alone in the final third, although when involved second half he rarely let the opportunity go without creating something
Mama Sidibe - 5 - Poor showing from the target man as he struggled against the strong spine of the Villa side, subbed just after half time
Tuncay - 6 - Ran his socks off but never got the rub of the green and was subbed before the hour mark. Stormed off which was disappointing but was frustrated at lack of luck and service
Ricardo Fuller - 8(Man of the Match) - Changed the game when he came on. Gave the Potters a much more direct and dangerous threat up front as he ran at the defenders with pace and power. Three were on bookings and this allowed him to brezze past on occasions and if one dribble had resulted in a goal he would have secured goal of the season again
David Kitson - 7 - Helped change the game with Fuller. Gave more stability, linking midfield with attack, bringing the ball down and bringing the midfielders into the game as we attacked. Also looked dangerous in the Villa box and teed up a couple of attempt for teammates when the ball dropped to him around the goal