In what proved to be a crucial game towards the end of the season last season, Villa take on Sunderland this Saturday with both sides struggling for early season form. We take a look at the previous meetings between the two sides ahead of the clash.
2014-15 Season
The first game last season ended a boring 0-0 draw which saw Fabian Delph see red after a horror tackle in the 49th minute.
In contrast to this, Villa smashed the Black Cats 4-0 at The Stadium of Light in the reverse fixture. Thanks to a brace from both Christian Benteke and Gabby Agbonlahor, the Villans left Sunderland 2 points below them down in 17th, only 1 point off relegation in what proved to be a 6 pointer for Sherwood’s men.
2013-14 Season
The teams first meeting in the 2013-14 season also finished 0-0, but unlike the 0-0 which happened in the 2014-15 season, this one was a thriller in which sitters were missed left, right and centre. A struggling Sunderland were happiest to come out of the game after securing a much-needed point.
Villa secured yet another win away at The Stadium of Light with a solid 0-1 victory. It was another electrifying away game for the Claret and Blue men as they easily could’ve put three or four past their opponents with attempts being cleared off the line and hitting the bar.
2012-13 Season
This was Villa’s most successful season against Sunderland in the recent years with Paul Lambert’s side securing yet another away win after Gabby Agbonlahor netted his first in 28 games to give his side the very needed 3 points when they played in early November.
Villa’s greatest victory against Sunderland came in late April 2013 in a relegation six-pointer. It was a day to forget for Paulo Di Canio and his men as Villa spanked the Black Cats 6-1 in front of the Villa faithful to move them five points clear of relegation with just 3 games remaining. Christian Benteke tormented Sunderland’s defense with a hat-trick within just 17 minutes in the second half. Just to make matters worse for the away side, Stephane Sessegnon was dismissed after a poor challenge on Yacouba Sylla.
Summary
Considering Sunderland’s terrible record against Villa and their current form, you can’t see past Tim Sherwood’s army securing the 3 points this upcoming Saturday
