Aston Villa came away from their encounter with Sunderland with their third point of the season, albeit they will feel a major sense of frustration after adding to their winless run in the Premier League.

Despite Reinildo’s dismissal on 33 minutes, the visitors took until midway through the second half to break the deadlock courtesy of a sweet Matty Cash strike that deceived Robin Roefs.

However, Sunderland weren’t to be denied after Wilson Isidor latched onto a weighted Granit Xhaka header to fire home in smart fashion, and the Black Cats skipper praised their fight against a man advantage: “Of course the red card changed the plans we created during the week, but in the end I believe the one point is much more than deserved.

“What a mentality from the team. The team spirit showed that it is very difficult to play against us. Very happy that in the end, we got what we deserved.”

With the Villans’ run without a win extending to six matches, supporters will be feeling irate, and they are unlikely to experience a lift in their mood amid Ollie Watkins’ role in the Black Cats securing a point against Emery’s men.

Ollie Watkins' role in Sunderland's equaliser against Aston Villa

Post-match, Emery admitted that his side were ‘lazy sometimes defensively’ against Sunderland, and it is hard to disagree when watching the hosts’ equaliser back with the benefit of hindsight.

Watkins wasn’t the only one culpable as Emery’s side shipped a decisive Isidor effort, but the England international was caught short as Xhaka’s unchallenged header morphed into an assist despite the Aston Villa striker and several other teammates having plenty of time to contest for the ball.

Ultimately, a lapse in concentration that managed to infiltrate several players has left the Villans with a point, which they will view as an opportunity missed due to holding a man advantage for the majority of Sunday’s encounter.

Nevertheless, Sunderland racked up a better Expected Goals total (1.05) than the away side (0.71) and also took on more shots, heightening the cause for concern at the club after yet another unconvincing performance on the road.

Watkins could hold key to Aston Villa revival

Undoubtedly, Aston Villa are lacking inspiration in the forward areas and need someone to step up and take responsibility, which has left the door ajar for Watkins to become a leading light through the middle following his exploits last season.

Six appearances and no goals so far in 2025/26 represents an unconvincing return for the Three Lions international. Regardless, form is temporary and class is permanent, as shown in his performances across 2024/25.

Ollie Watkins in the Premier League – 2024/25

Goals

16

Assists

8

Shots

84

Shots on target

40

Chances created

25

All statistics courtesy of Fotmob

Evann Guessand has failed to live up to expectations since arriving during the window, while Youri Tielemans’ injury concern has left a creative void needing filled in the engine room.

Watkins will thrive if the chances fall his way across the season. However, Emery’s men have scored once in their first five Premier League matches, illustrating their stark lack of threat in the final third.