The Black Cats went ahead in the 11th minute when Danny Collins got above Carlos Cuellar to score a looping header from Carlos Edwards' free-kick past the despairing Brad Friedel.

Sbragia's Sunderland, driven on by Dean Whitehead and Teemu Tainio who were both outstanding in midfield, were good in the opening period as Villa struggled to find any rhythm.

Whitehead nearly grabbed a deserved goal in the 27th minute when his shot was saved by the left boot of Brad Friedel as Villa hung on.

However the game turned in favour of the visitors and Martin O'Neill's team, now unbeaten in 10 Premier League games, were better in the second half and they found an equaliser in the 59th minute.

With Sunderland pushing for a second goal, Pascal Chimbonda put a poor cross into the box which was cut out by the first defender.

This set Villa on the counter attack when Ashley Young raced down the left at lightning speed, past Nyron Nosworthy, and crossed. Milner was there to bundle the ball over the line, but looked to do so with his arm.

Referee Mike Dean said 'goal' despite strong appeals from the home side and it was a real blow for the Black Cats.

To make matters worse, Collins (concussion) and Nosworthy (hamstring - sustained in the race with Young when he created the goal) were forced out of the game because of injuries.

Paul McShane, only just back from a loan spell at Hull, and Phil Bardsley, once a Villa player, came on but the change disrupted Sunderland at the back, allowing Villa to take control.

Some Sunderland supporters, who should be ashamed of themselves, even booed McShane as he was coming onto the pitch to replace the injured Noz.

It's no wonder he wasn't full of confidence and failed to deal with the ball that led the second goal.

But the game looked to swing back into Sunderland's favour with 18 minutes remaining when Young lunged two-footed at Whitehead and was shown a red card.

With Sunderland looking to press home the advantage, Villa scored the winner.

Friedel launched a long ball down the field and McShane and Anton Ferdinand reacted late allowing Agbonlahor to get between them. McShane delivered a high tackle on the Villa striker as he raced into the box.

Referee Dean pointed to the spot even though the challenge looked to be outside the area.

Gareth Barry stepped up to smash the penalty high to Marton Fulop's left and into the top of the net, leaving Sunderland contemplating a sixth home defeat in the Barclays Premier League this season.

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