Aston Villa 2, Stoke 2: Full time report
Read Bill Howell and Mat Kendrick live at the game - click here
Stoke struck twice in the final three minutes to snatch a dramatic draw and put a dent into Aston Villa's Champions League hopes.
Stiliyan Petrov's first Barclays Premier League goal for 11 months and a spectacular effort from John Carew helped Villa take total command.
But Ryan Shawcross reduced the arrears in the 87th minute and substitute Glenn Whelan equalised in injury time for the visitors.
Villa will be kicking themselves after dominating play for lengthy periods, but they are still six points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal.
Villa manager Martin O'Neill brought back all his big guns after leaving eight players behind for the midweek UEFA Cup clash away to CSKA Moscow.
That decision, which upset a minority of fans who made the trip to Russia, looked to be justified until the dramatic finale.
But it means they have surrendered two home points and won just five of their 14 games at Villa Park.
James Milner was in inspired form for the home side all over the pitch while Petrov and Gareth Barry dominated in the centre of the park, but Stoke's never-say-die spirit was ultimately rewarded.
The home side made a positive start and Milner sent in a teasing cross which was headed back across goal by Barry but Gabriel Agbonlahor was crowded out by several Stoke defenders.
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