Ten-man Sunderland fight back to deny Villa first win

Aston Villa's search for a first Premier League win goes on after 10-man Sunderland produced a spirited performance to come from behind and secure a crucial point.

Black Cats defender Reinildo was shown a straight red card in the 33rd minute for violent conduct, kicking out at Matty Cash after being bundled over by the right-back.

Sunderland dug in to frustrate the visitors and almost snatched the lead through Omar Alderete's 51st-minute header which crashed against the bar.

Villa thought they had earned their first win of the season when Cash then scored from 25 yards, with goalkeeper Robin Roefs beaten by the vicious swerve of the strike.

But the visitors were unable to build on scoring their first top-flight goal of the season, and Wilson Isidor equalised from close range after a headed assist by captain Granit Xhaka.

Sunderland are now unbeaten in three top-flight matches and have eight points from five matches.

Meanwhile, Villa have three and remain in the bottom three.

Sunderland analysis: Black Cats show resilience for battling point

Sunderland have rightly earned plaudits for the way they have adapted to life in the top flight since winning the Championship play-off final.

After sweeping aside West Ham on the opening weekend of the season, they have also defeated Brentford and secured a point at FA Cup winners Crystal Palace.

But Sunday's performance will have pleased boss Regis le Bris just as much as anything he has seen from his players so far this season as his players found a way to secure a draw despite playing for so long with 10 players.

Sunderland showed an abundance of resilience and determination, and actually looked the better team after full-back Reinildo's dismissal.

Despite falling behind, they showed character to equalise through French striker Isidor's third goal of the season - all at the Stadium of Light.

It was a gutsy performance by Sunderland who, despite a busy summer in the transfer market, look at home in the Premier League, with this point adding to their growing early season momentum.

Aston Villa analysis: Miserable start for Emery's men

Villa, who were without injured midfielder Youri Tielemans, will wonder how they allowed two points to slip away after Cash's goal had ended their long wait for a first league goal.

Striker Ollie Watkins had a glorious chance to win it in stoppage time, but was unable to connect with Jadon Sancho's cross in what was another disappointing overall performance.

There is little doubt Unai Emery's spell in charge at Villa has been impressive.

Before the start of the season, the Spaniard averaged 1.81 points per game, while they have finished the last two seasons fourth and sixth in the table.

However, this latest campaign has started poorly. Not only are Villa struggling to kick-start their Premier League season, they are also out of Carabao Cup before the end of September.

Villa lack confidence and have been unable so far to show the quality of the previous two campaigns.

The pressure is likely to mount on Emery if they still remain winless after their next two league games at home to Fulham and Burnley.

What's next for both sides?

Sunderland are next at Nottingham Forest, who are yet to win since appointing Ange Postecoglou, on Saturday (17:30 BST). They then go to Manchester United on 4 October (15:00) and host bottom club Wolves in their first game back after the international break on 18 October (15:00).

Having finished sixth in the table last season, Aston Villa launch their Europa League campaign at home to Bologna on Thursday (20:00). Their next two Premier League games are also at Villa Park - against Fulham on 28 September (14:00) and Burnley on 5 October (14:00).