Mini match report: Ruthless away win for Villa, who are starting to look like serious top-four contenders. Goals by Emile Heskey and a superb strike by James Milner – the most in-form midfielder in the Prem right now – did the damage. Along with Milner, Stewart Downing and Ashley Young give Villa real bite and class in midfield, while Gabby Agbonlahor is just the man to worry defences with his pace.

All of this is great news for Villa fans and also for Fabio Capello and England fans. Is Milner playing himself into an England starting role? At this rate, yes.

Sunderland, meanwhile, are slowly slipping after their fine start and are now in danger of dropping into the bottom half of the table. Steve Bruce has not been helped by the injury to key midfielder Lee Cattermole (who did at least come on as a sub in the second half), but he needs to arrest this slide, and soon. The sending off of Lorik Cana for two bookings won’t help, as Bruce really needs Cattermole and Cana to be reunited asap.

Top 10 photos:

8135194

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 10

Aston Villa's James Milner (left) skips over the challenge from Sunderland's Kieran Richardson

Posted in Aston Villa, Featured, Photos, Sunderland, Top 10s & lists | No Comments »