A much-changed Sunderland faced an Aston Villa side tipped for big things this season and despite taking an early lead found themselves frustrated by a resilient and powerful home team that took the points despite having less of the game.

Responding to a poor showing against Northampton it was a revamped Sunderland side that started at Villa Park with a new look centre midfield pairing of Whitehead and Liam Miller in the absence of the injured Tainio.

It was the away side that started the brighter with the midfield shifting the ball about well and always looking to play the ball to Cisse’s feet quickly whenever possible.

The tactic paid immediate dividends after a switch of possession in the middle of the park allowed Malbranque to play Cissė through and the Frenchman provided an emphatic first time finish.

Following the goal The Lads continued to move it about well with both wing-backs getting forward as much as possible and with Villa seemingly unable to get the ball down and play you would not have bet against Sunderland scoring a second before the home side struck back.

A break down in possession followed by a loose tackle gave Sunderland their first real test from a set piece which they failed spectacularly. Ashley Young used a training ground routine to take advantage of a disorganised wall and leave Gordon with no chance.

Things were to get worse still as the referee penalised Anton Ferdinand following what appeared to be an accidental handball at worst on the edge of the box. From the resulting Young free kick Carew, who’s physical approach had caused problems from the off, tucked the ball into the back of the net unmarked.

The two goals occurred in quick succession and looked to have knocked the stuffing out of Sunderland who no longer looked so assured in possession and frequently gave the ball away cheaply with a clean air spectacular miss from Cisse the best they could muster before half time.

Following the break the Lads again came out the stronger and dominated the proceedings for the remainder of the half without really causing Villa any real problems.

Sunderland worked hard and while Villa’s pace made them dangerous on the break Gordon was not called upon to make any saves of the standard he produced in the first half. This was due in part to some good work in the engine room from Miller and Whitehead that allowed the wingers to get forward.

A double substitution for Sunderland saw Murphy and Reid given some time to change the game with Stokes also brought on later following his midweek heroics.

Yet it was to no avail as the Lads continued to be frustrated in the final third as the home side sat deep and protected the points, a free kick from Reid that sent Friedel flailing before just missing the post was the closest we came to taking what would have been a good point from a decent performance.

Final Score : Aston Villa 2 Sunderland 1

ALS Man of the Match: Steed Malbranque

Michael Mould

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