Sunderland and Aston Villa had to settle for a point a piece today as the sides drew 2-2 in an end to end thriller at Villa Park. Goals from Scott Sinclair (2), Yann M’Vila and Jeremain Lens meant the Wearsiders are still looking for their first three points of the campaign. A much-improved performance today in many areas compare to their last away game to Leicester means Sunderland move onto two points for the season, here is how the players faired.
Costel Pantilimon – 7
Was a little naughty with his time wasting but much of the same old from Pantilimon. Poor kicking but made some great saves and was commanding on crosses.
Billy Jones – 6
Failed to close down the cross again for Villa’s second goal, apart from that he did an OK job compare to his previous displays.
Younes Kaboul – 7
Much much better. Kaboul dealt with the aerial threat of Gestede well and looked a lot more assured next to O’Shea.
John O’Shea – 7
Likewise, did well handling Gestede and lead by example.
Patrick Van Aanholt – 6
Still gets caught out defensively and could have been punished had Alan Hutton’s final ball been better in the first half. Still, he is playing better than the first two games.
Lee Cattermole – 3
Awful day for Cattermole. Gave away the penalty, and was at fault for the second also. Replaced at half-time and may have a job regaining his starting spot after a poor start to the season.
Yann M’Vila – 9 (Man of the Match)
A class act in the middle of the park. He scored a peach of a free kick and had a huge influence offensively and defensively for the side. He continues to get better and better with each passing game and will be a key figure for the side going forward.
Jack Rodwell – 6
Rodwell didn’t do an awful lot but didn’t do much wrong either. Fairly anonymous.
Danny Graham – 4
Couldn’t get hold of the ball and was replaced at half-time. However, he did win the free-kick for the opening goal.
Jeremain Lens – 7
Often frustrating with his flair style of play and was caught out a number of times today. He also fails to track back, but then again that isn’t really why he was brought to the club. He scored a goal today, his first competitively for the club, adding that to his two assists for the season.
Jermain Defoe – 5
Anonymous today, Defoe tried for the team but couldn’t get into the game. Spurned a half chance following a great 40-yard ball from M’Vila.
Substitutes:
Ola Toivonen – 7
Brought on at half-time and immediately changed the game. He can pick as pass, win a header and also tackle, he faded as the game wore on, but he was mightily impressive considering he signed yesterday.
Steven Fletcher – 5
Won a few headers but was out-muscled by Clark and Richards in the Aston Villa defence. Had a good header which forced a save from Guzan.
Seb Larsson – 6
Brought on to assist defensively and did just that to help the team win a valuable point.
