Aston Villa claimed another vital three points thanks to an extremely comfortable 3-0 win against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday evening.
As expected, Sunderland, who are propping at the table and staring relegation to League One in the face, were no match for a Villa side who are chasing automatic promotion. In fact, it’s pretty surprising that the Black Cats managed to keep the scores level for 34 minutes.
Villa took the lead they deserved when Lewis Grabban, who is still Sunderland’s top scorer this season, despite having left for Villa Park in January, nodded in Albert Adomah’s cross at the back post. Just before half-time, Villa doubled their advantage when James Chester, who was left unmarked, powered in a header from a Robert Snodgrass corner.
The game, if it wasn’t already, was put to bed in the 66th minute when Oviedo turned Hourihane’s cross into his own net.
Despite this win, Villa still remain four points behind Cardiff as they beat struggling Barnsley at home. Next up for Villa is a crunch match against league leaders Wolves.
Here are our Aston Villa player ratings for Tuesday night’s win over Sunderland.
GK: Sam Johnstone - 7
One of the most comfortable evenings he will have in a Villa shirt. Only had to make one save of note during the whole game, the rest was routine.
RB: Ahmed Elmohamady - 6
The Egyptian didn’t have much to worry about throughout the match.
CB: James Chester - 8
Dealt with all that came his way (which wasn’t a lot if we’re being honest) and took his goal well.
CB: John Terry - 7.5
Made blocks when he needed too, was dominant in the air and his passing was spot on. An easy night for the Villa skipper.
LB: Neil Taylor - 6
Started off a bit rusty. but he grew into the game and kept the lively Callum McManaman quiet.
RM: Robert Snodgrass - 7.5
His set-pieces were quality and he was a constant threat down Sunderland’s left-hand side.
CM: Glenn Whelan - 7
Did the job that was asked of him by stopping any potential Sunderland counter attack. Went off injured in the 60th minute.
Conor Hourihane - 7.5
Hasn’t been in the best of form lately, but he showed his class last night. He was always looking to make something happen and gave Sunderland plenty to think about.
LM: Albert Adomah - 6
A quiet night by Adomah’s extremely high standards, but he did grab himself yet another assist.
ST: Lewis Grabban - 8.5
This was an excellent performance from the former Sunderland player. His hold up play allowed Villa’ creative players to express themselves and he took his goal well.
ST: Scott Hogan - 6
Should have scored in the first half but he ended up kicking the air instead. However, he did plenty of selfless running in order to try help Villa’s cause.
SUB: Mile Jedinak - 6
Came on in the 60th minute for Whelan and didn’t give the Sunderland midfielder a chance to breathe.
SUB: Jack Grealish - 7
Came on in the 67th minute for Hogan and immediately started to cause Sunderland trouble. He’s in the form of his life right now.