Substitute John Carew handed Villa the perfect early Christmas present as their Champions League charge continued with a hard-fought win over Stoke.

Carew, on as a 21st-minute replacement for the injured Emile Heskey, converted Ashley Young’s cross after 61 minutes to make it four straight Premier League wins for Martin O’Neill’s men.

Villa were forced to withstand a barrage of pressure as Tony Pulis’ team attempted to repeat last season’s late comeback, but the claret and blues avenged the demons of March 1 by holding on for three precious points.

Unsurprisingly, O’Neill named the same side which had delivered consecutive league victories against Hull, Manchester United and Sunderland.

The home team could have been ahead as early as the 10th minute when Stewart Downing’s free-kick bounced up kindly for Richard Dunne inside the box, but the defender was unable to direct his header goalwards.

Former Villa goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen proved a thorn in his old club’s side in the 16th minute when the Stoke No 1 made a stunning double save – first to beat away Stiliyan Petrov’s piledriver and then to push away Gabby Agbonlahor’s follow-up.

There was an early introduction for Carew when Heskey limped off with a muscle strain.

Villa knocked the ball around superbly, all that was missing was an end product, as Stoke lived up to their reputation as one of the Premier League’s most stubborn opponents.

But the Potters always looked a threat going forward, and they had the ball in the net on 33 minutes only for Mamady Sidibe’s header to be chalked off for a push on Stephen Warnock.

Villa went close to taking the lead themselves when Carew got a toe on Ashley Young’s teasing inswinger, only to see it creep past the post.

Another golden opportunity went begging on 55 minutes when Ashley Young picked out Carew with a brilliant lofted pass, The Norway striker’s first touch was excellent but, disappointingly, the finish failed to match after blazing over the bar on the turn.

Stoke had chances of their own though, and could have easily taken the lead. A corner fell kindly to Glenn Whelan inside the box, only for the Republic of Ireland midfielder to blaze over. The Potters were left to rue that missed chance.

Downing switched the play with a delightful raking pass out to Ashley Young wide on the right and his cross was headed home by Carew in front of the adoring Holte End.

Luke Young came to the rescue with a stunning last-ditch to deny Tuncay what looked a certain goal, while Ricardo Fuller lobbed just over the bar with seconds remaining.