Villa unsurprising started the same side that beat Man Utd but a tight first 10 minutes saw Sunderland have the best of the game. But Villa started to play it on the deck and causing Sunderland problems and drawing early yellow cards and from one of the free kicks Downing hit the bar.

After the first 20 minutes the game settled down into quite an entertaining contest as Milner from a great Petrov interception slid in Heskey to slot home. The rest of the half settled into a familiar Villa pattern of good defence and threatening counter attacks and a well deserved lead.

Villa started the 2nd half scappy and Andy Reid in the first 4minutes should have scored. That seemed to wake up Villa as Heskey after good play shot over. This was then followed after 55 minutes by a fantastic move which led to ash hitting the post.

Then what a great goal by Milner, a couple of jinks and a stunning shot into the top corner after 60 mins. On 68 Milner then picked up a yellow for a silly challenge. Villa then controlled the game by defending brilliantly and Cana for Sunderland picked up a red for a late challenge on Milner.

For the rest of the half Villa saw the game off for a well deserved win in which the defence starred but James Milner clear MOTM with a stunning goal and great assist.

We move to third with a top 4 performance with quality performances all round