Half-Time Report: Aston Villa deny Stoke City in first half

Stoke City had the better chances in the first half of their Premier League game with Aston Villa, but the score remains goalless at the break.

Nathan Baker almost gave Villa a 10th-minute lead, but Asmir Begovic clutched onto his near-post effort at the second attempt.

Alexander Tonev then scuffed his volley into the floor after Geoff Cameron could only clear Matt Lowton's cross as far as the Bulgarian.

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Cameron almost gave his side a 37th-minute lead in fortuitous circumstances, but Brad Guzan reacted well to tip the right back's mishit cross over the bar.

Ciaran Clark and Baker then put their bodies on the line to deny Peter Crouch and Marko Arnautovic in quick succession as Villa kept their clean sheet intact at the break.