Stoke put four past Aston Villa search for answers - match analysis
From great heights to the deepest depths, Villa are still trying to find their identity.
The claret and blues have lurched from one extreme to the other this season and were handed a one almighty reality check by Stoke. The search for a third straight home league continues as Villa reminded everyone why they have been waiting seven years to see one.
From conquering Chelsea to a Stoke shocker, the last week has summed the season up.
It was just Stoke's second Premier League away win of the season but the hosts obliged their visitors, who leapfrogged them into 10th.
It is a sign of this season's table that, after a capitulation of such a grand scale, a top 10 finish is still within Villa's grasp and will be what they aspire towards.
A blistering start – topped by Christian Benteke's early opener – folded into a powderpuff performance to hand the visitors their first Villa Park victory since 1988. Consistency throughout games, let alone the season, has been an issue, no more so than against Stoke.
Lambert had been noticeably more relaxed in the week but his mood will have changed and he described the performance as being "unlike" Villa. While not mathematically safe they should have done enough to ensure they will retain their Premier League status in a second season of transition.
And just as one win against Chelsea should not cure all ills, yesterday will not – should not – be a catalyst for panic. They will be castigated and rightly so. Once Stoke went ahead there was little to suggest the claret and blues would fight back.
But Villa are an inconsistent side striving for improvement. It is still a team which lacks experience throughout and – more worrying – missed a leader on the pitch yesterday.
Skipper Ron Vlaar was honest enough to admit to his failings and one would hope that sentiment is shared throughout the dressing room. The problem is though, how long do Villa get the benefit of the doubt?
Their inconsistencies are as infuriating as they are baffling having deservedly beaten Arsenal and Chelsea only to lose against Sheffield United and Stoke.
It is only the most patient fan who will continue offer them their unwavering support.
Lambert has another busy summer ahead and while it will not be as comprehensive as last year, changes need to be made.
And in front of the lowest home attendance of the season Villa suffered their heaviest league defeat of the campaign.
It looked rosy after just five minutes when Benteke smashed in, following a neat turn and pass by Fabian Delph.
Villa were in control but Stoke grew in confidence and Peter Odemwingie's drive flew inches over after clipping Vlaar. And then the Potters scored twice in four minutes to silence the hosts.
First, Odemwingie levelled on 22 minutes when he held off Nathan Baker to roll under Brad Guzan after latching onto Peter Crouch's knockdown.
And then Crouch – who scored the winner when the teams met in December – turned the game when he fired in Erik Pieters' cross from eight yards.
From bright and breezy to woeful and anonymous within 26 minutes and Karim El Ahmadi and Andi Weimann limped off as Villa Park began to turn.
Three minutes before the break it went from bad to worse.
Stoke strung 17 passes together and when Baker missed Marko Arnautovic's ball ,Steven N'Zonzi drilled in from 18 yards.
Stoke played like Villa aspire to, with verve, skill and quality, as the memories of last weekend's win over leaders Chelsea quickly faded away.
At 3-1 Villa needed a rousing recovery but were found desperately wanting after the break.
Benteke was booked for his protests at not being awarded a penalty after he tumbled under Cameron's challenge as Villa's frustrations grew.
There were more cards than shots on target as Baker, Bacuna and Marc Albrighton were cautioned.
And Cameron ended a non-event of a second half when he drilled in a 90th-minute fourth after Arnautovic embarrassed Bacuna on the left.
Bertrand tested Begovic but Villa's embarrassment was already complete.
They left to a virtually empty stadium as the fans voted with their feet.
They will go to Old Trafford to support their club, what team turns up is an entirely different matter.
