And the travelling Mackems almost have a third goal to cheer! Right-back Billy Jones pops up in the Villa box but doesn't have the finishing prowess of one of his more attack-minded team-mates. His outswinging shot drifts well wide - befitting of a defender who has never scored for the club....

The volume has been turned down inside Villa Park. Except for the delirious pocket of away fans...

John Hartson
Former Wales striker on Final Score

"It's a good finish from Lens, but from a defensive point of view it's far too easy. Clark lets him cut inside. Sunderland have started the second half really well."  

Sunderland look much livelier after the break - but they did start the first half very well remember. Jermain Defoe blasts over from distance. Getting closer....

Now it is the turn of Steven Fletcher to become involved for the first time. The tall Scotland striker finds space in the Villa area, meeting a right-wing cross to force Villa keeper Brad Guzan into an instinctive tip over the bar.

Any instant impact from the incoming Sunderland pair? Ola Toivonen is quickly orchestrating the team from the middle of the park, demanding the ball and pointing. Lots of pointing.

Referee Robert Madley toots his whistle after the 15-minute break - and that means it is game on.

Looks like Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat has seen enough. New signing Ola Toivonen - a Sweden international midfielder who signed from Rennes yesterday - is stripped off and ready to make his debut.

But wait! Not only does Advocaat make one change - he makes two. Scotland striker Steven Fletcher also gets the nod, while Danny Graham and Lee Cattermole are the two men to be hooked.

How about this for a swift break? Villa turned defence into attack within seconds for the goal which gives them a half-time advantage. The clinical move was finished by Scott Sinclair - and here's how it happened...

Image source, Opta

Guy Mowbray
BBC Match of the Day commentator

"A very watchable first half which started badly for Villa and wonderfully for Sunderland. But Villa have hit back through the penalty - what was Lee Cattermole thinking? - and the second goal just before half-time."

Indeed Sunderland do escape further Villa punishment, largely thanks to Younes Kaboul cutting out another dangerous ball from the left flank. Time for Dick Advocaat to ponder his options over a cuppa.

One minute of added time, so says the fourth official and his big electronic board. Sunderland hoping not to concede again...

Great psychological boost for the home side to nick the lead before half-time - and you have to say they just about deserve it.

John Hartson
Former Wales striker on Football Focus

"Scott Sinclair never really got going at Manchester City, but he's coming up trumps for Tim Sherwood."  

Jeremain Lens was the Sunderland man who forced Micah Richards into action - he has been their biggest threat...

Image source, Opta

Talk about putting your body on the line. Villa skipper Micah Richards dives in front of a right-wing cross as Sunderland threaten in numbers on the break. But the ex-Manchester City man slides into the post, his back taking the brunt of the impact. Takes more than that to keep big Micah down for long...

Another chance for Leandro Bacuna to get a set-piece right. Again on the left flank, this time close to the corner flag, the Dutchman opts for a training-ground move pulling back the ball which ends up at the feet of Carlos Sanchez. But he lashes it well over the bar.