Aston Villa finally scored their first Premier League goal of the season but, on this quietly concerning evidence, Unai Emery’s quest for last season’s mislaid form is far from over.
In marked contrast, Sunderland were a study in resilience, belief and impressive organisation. Régis Le Bris’s side could easily have folded after the 33rd-minute dismissal of their left-back Reinildo Mandava for violent conduct and the rare second-half mistake from Robin Roefs that allowed Matty Cash to shoot Emery’s team ahead from 25 yards.
