Jeremain Lens struck his first Sunderland goal as Aston Villa had to settle for a 2-2 draw.
The Black Cats had led through Yann M’Vila’s superb early free-kick but a Scott Sinclair double put the hosts in the driving seat before the break, Lens’ second-half strike ensured the spoils were shared. Both teams were looking to attack from the off, and despite long spells of Aston Villa pressure the Wearsiders managed to leave Villa Park with a share of the spoils.
Yann M’Vila was the man of the match, with a fine display in the Sunderland midfield, capped off with a superb free-kick in the 9th minute. Aston Villa were level 3 minutes later when Scott Sinclair converted a penalty conceded by the poor Lee Cattermole. Sinclair added a second before half-time meaning the hosts went in 2-1 to the good. A first league goal for Jeremain Lens drew Sunderland level before they clung on for a valuable point.
