On an emotional night for Tony Pulis, he saw his side claw back a fine Stewart Downing goal for Villa to claim Stoke’s first victory of the season at the Britannia.

The attendance of Pulis at pitch side was not expected after his Mother passed away on Monday but Stoke’s inspirational manager arrived for the second-half in time to orchestrate a comeback capped by Robert Huth’s injury time winner.

The introduction of substitutes Richardo Fuller and Jermaine Pennant provided the catalyst but it was the contribution of Matt Etherington, returning on his Watchlist promise early, that decided the game. Etherington’s supply from the left-flank and delivery from set-pieces was a feature of the game and it was his two deliveries that were converted by Huth and earlier Kenwyne Jones for his first goal for the club.

With fixtures falling relatively kindly for Stoke over the next four weeks (WHM new BLA bol), we should see investment come the way of Etherington as a 5.8 option in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game. The home clash with former club West Ham this weekend looks particularly inviting and tailor-made for further returns.

Stoke’s back four, still without a clean sheet but always a threat from set-plays, will also likely gain some mid-price interest. Last night it was Huth profiting – Abodoulaye Faye has already claimed a goal this term; Ryan Shawcross is due to get in on the act.

The outcome was harsh on Villa who can reflect on a fine first-half display which should have seen them tuck the game up in bed ready for Gerard Houllier to read it a nice lilttle story. Instead he’ll be picking over the footage of the 90 minutes wondering how his new side failed to turn their approach play into further goals.

Downing’s first-half strike of quality will have raised his profile once more – he has so far overshadowed Villa’s usual Fantasy assets – outscoring both Ashley Young and John Carew to this point. Gabriel Agbonlahor lead the line with some promise against the muscular Stoke defence but is yet to string regular starts together which has seen his season stall. At the back Villa have recorded two consecutive cleanies at home against West Ham and Everton and will doubtless continue to earn some attention as a result.

A home encounter with Bolton this weekend could certainly rouse some short-term interest in Villa’s squad, although Stephen Ireland is unlikely to be amongst the names considered. He found himself on the bench last night with Nigel Reo-Coker slotting alongside Stiliyan Petrov in central midfield. It’s not clear whether this will be a tactic employed away from home but the suggestion is that Houllier will rely on that pairing to provide a combative shield for his back four – turning to the wing play of Young, Marc Albrighton and Downing to contribute the creativity. Saturday’s teamsheet – the first from Houllier, will tell us more.