Daniel Wales reports from the Stadium of Light, as Sunderland draw 1-1 with Aston Villa, despite having Reinildo Mandava sent off around the half hour mark. The Black Cats fell behind to a Matty Cash strike in the second period, but drew level through Wilson Isidor and showed determination to earn a draw, much to Régis Le Bris’ satisfaction.
00:00A battling point for Sunderland and one they were more than worthy of at home against Aston Villa, despite the Black Cats playing for over an hour of the match with 10 men, with Ronaldo Mandava being sent off for a kick out at Matty Cash around the half hour mark.
00:15Sunderland though, once again, showed their fighting spirit that has allowed them to move on to eight points after five games played in the Premier League.
00:24Sunderland had been the more threatening side during the opening period of the match, as they looked to capitalise on a lack of confidence that was evident in Aston Villa as a side given that ahead of kick-off.
00:35They had not yet scored a Premier League goal this season. Villa managed to just about repel Sunderland, but it was the home side that looked the stronger of the two.
00:45That was until the red card for Mandava, which saw the game fall very flat until the half-time whistle.
00:50Despite Villa then taking the lead in the second half, it always seemed like Sunderland would find a way back into the game.
00:57Such was the nature of their performance, and this they did.
01:00And even though Aston Villa did apply pressure towards the end of proceedings, Sunderland were able to hold firm and come away with another point.
01:08This time against a side like Aston Villa, who despite their poor start to the season, still boast quality throughout their squad.
01:15As a result, the home supporters were certainly the happier of the two fanbases at the final whistle.
01:22So, let's go back to the start of Sunday afternoon and go through the events that occurred at the Stadium of Light.
01:30Early chances came and went for Sunderland.
01:32Wilson Isidore headed over from the middle of the box, before then seeing a shot blocked by Esri Concer.
01:38Aston Villa themselves had moments to take the lead, including Robin Roofs, saving well from Evan Gessand from close range in the box.
01:47The game, though, was flipped on its head when Sunderland defender Ronaldo Mandava was sent off for lashing out at Matty Cash.
01:55The first half then fell very flat until the half-time whistle came.
01:59Omar Alderet did strike the crossbar for Sunderland within the first ten minutes of the second period,
02:06but it was Villa who opened the scoring after 67 minutes when Matty Cash struck from outside of the area,
02:13with Robin Roofs only able to palm into the roof of the net.
02:17Sunderland, though, were not beaten by any means, and Wilson Isidore equalised with 14 minutes left of normal time,
02:24latching on to Granit Xhaka's header in the area.
02:27Villa tried to apply pressure towards the end, but Sunderland were able to hold on for the draw.
02:33Yes, it's a good point, with two different scenarios.
02:38I think we started well, we managed the first part of the game properly, according to our game plan,
02:47and this red card changed the whole dynamic.
02:51And it wasn't obvious to react properly, but we kept the score until the half-time,
02:59and we had the opportunity to change this game plan.
03:04And it was obvious that the second half was connected with deep luck and opportunities through set plays.
03:11And I think it went well the first 20 minutes.
03:16I think we were even dominant during this part of the game.
03:20We considered this goal, and I really liked the reaction.
03:25Unai Emery described his players as lazy at full-time,
03:29adding that they are not playing like an Unai Emery team at present.
03:32It's quite the criticism from the Spaniard, but given that, as a side, they are yet to win a game,
03:37and have only scored one Premier League goal as of now.
03:40Perhaps Emery felt as if his players needed to hear such an evaluation about their recent performances.
03:47After all, they do start their Europa League campaign against Bologna in midweek.
03:52As for Sunderland, well, the positivity within the club, and indeed the city, just keeps on growing.
03:57Yes, they didn't manage to win today, but given the adversity that they faced for much of the match,
04:03playing with 10 men, to be able to come away with a point highlights just where they are as a unit at present.
04:09Whilst Regis Labrieche does not always fully let on,
04:12it is clear that he is happy with the start that his side have made to the Premier League season,
04:17and he is particularly pleased with how well all of the new signings at the club have gelled and bought into his ideas.
04:27Next, with the same can-do attitude, and it is getting them results.
04:32Aston Villa, perhaps, should have done better against 10 men here,
04:35but it could also be argued that Sunderland did not allow for that.
04:39Regis Labrieche's side continue on their way, then, with a trip to face Nottingham Forest next.
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