Aston Villa Report

Jacob Tanswell

Jadon Sancho and Tammy Abraham replace John McGinn and Ollie Watkins, who is given a huge standing ovation by Villa Park, with all his teammates applauding too. His best performance this season - perhaps even longer. Remarkable response after his England dropping. #AVFC

Jacob Tanswell

Lucas Digne and Emiliano Buendia are coming on. Tyrone Mings has made several good headers from Sunderland long throws and set plays today. #AVFC

Jacob Tanswell

Ollie Watkins close to completing his hat-trick from Morgan Rogers' low cross. I asked Watkins on Thursday if he feels at his sharpest now than at any point this season - "you could say that," he said. Certainly looks that way #AVFC

John Townley

GOAL: MORGAANN ROGGGGERS! It's another electric start from Villa in this half. A sweeping counter-attack which ends in Ollie Watkins playing a first-time pass to Rogers, who finishes with aplomb in front of the Holte End. #AVFC 3-1 Sunderland

Jacob Tanswell

#AVFC score early in the second half like they did in the first. It all starts from McGinn. He forces Sunderland backwards before harrying Reinaldo, wins the ball and sets Barkley, who then finds Watkins. He plays a first time pass for Rogers' run, who finishes neatly. 3-1

John Townley

HT: Villa lead Sunderland after Ollie Watkins' double either side of Chris Rigg's equaliser. Both goals were headers from Villa's in-form striker. Amadou Onana struck the underside of the bar shortly after Sunderland had levelled. Massive 45 ahead... #AVFC 2-1 Sunderland

Jacob Tanswell

HT: #AVFC 2-1 Sunderland Tough game. Sunderland making Villa battle for every ball, but hosts showing ability to problem-solve again. Through Emery's "structure", Villa sustained pressure for Watkins 2nd, having had to work hard to cut through & needing to stay tough defensively

John Townley

GOAL: WATKKIINSSS! Villa were patient in possession, before Morgan Rogers slipped Ian Maatsen in down the channel. His cross is headed in by Watkins to restore Villa's lead. #AVFC 2-1 Sunderland

Jacob Tanswell

15 minutes before, Xhaka got Rigg and Mukiele together to help organise the rotations between Maatsen & Rogers. It seemed to be working until Maatsen got free at the byline, crossing for Watkins to score his second header. Came after excellent sustained pressure. 2-1 #AVFC

Jacob Tanswell

Good midfield battle. Xhaka and Onana/Tielemans taking lots of touches, making sure those behind and in front are organised correctly. Sunderland physical on duels with #AVFC's midfield doing the same. Rogers starting to stay wider, with Maatsen inverting to try & get on the ball