Andreas Weimann scored after the break to give Aston Villa a 1-0 win over Stoke City on the opening day of the new Premier League season.
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Marko Arnautovic tested the visitors early on, curling the ball in following a quick break down the left flank before looking to set up Bojan later in the half.
Gabriel Agbonlahor had the best chance of the first period for Villa, but the striker could not slot the ball into an empty net after Asmir Begovic had come to clear.
Paul Lambert's side took the lead just a couple of minutes into the second half when Weimann squeezed the ball into the back of the net, despite Begovic getting a hand to the shot.
Substitute Peter Crouch looked lively up front for Stoke as the Potters sought a quick equaliser, but the striker's teammates could not get the ball to him.
Charlie Adam came on inside the final 10 minutes and immediately tried to link up with Crouch, but Villa were organised at the back and managed to clear the threat.
Ron Vlaar made a crucial block late on to help the visitors protect their lead, ensuring that they held one to secure all three points at the Britannia Stadium.
Sian Cowper
