Aston Villa gave their Premier League survival hopes a huge boost on Saturday with a resounding 4-0 win away to fellow strugglers Sunderland.
Christian Benteke fired the visitors into a 16th-minute lead before Gabriel Agbonlahor doubled their advantage just two minutes later.
An impressive first-half performance from Villa saw them score two more goals before the break as Agbonlahor and Benteke both found the net again to pile the misery on Sunderland and manager Gus Poyet.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action on a remarkable day afternoon at the Stadium of Light.
Match statistics
SUNDERLAND
Shots: 12
On target: 2
Possession: 40%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 10
ASTON VILLA
Shots: 14
On target: 8
Possession: 60%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 9
Was the result fair?
If anything, Sunderland are lucky that Aston Villa did not score more. This was a game that promised to be a cagey affair between two relegation rivals, but it instead turned out to be a comprehensive victory for the visitors. In simple terms, Villa were very good going forward while the Black Cats looked like a team destined for the drop.
Sunderland's performance
Those who know their way around the Premier League will have seen Sunderland put in some dull, lifeless and downright terrible performances down the years. However, this could top the lot. They were abject. To say there was no urgency, commitment or drive would be like saying Cristiano Ronaldo quite likes his own reflection. The hosts were woeful in every department, particularly defence. They allowed Villa so much time and space on the ball, while there was nothing up front to give fans hope that they might get themselves back in the game. There was a slight improvement in the second half, but all of the damage was done after a shocking opening 45 minutes. It must only be a matter of time before Gus Poyet is shown the door.
Aston Villa's performance
In stark contrast to Sunderland's flaccid display, Villa were full of energy, confidence flair and desire and came away as deserved winners. Tim Sherwood's men looked hungrier from the first whistle and made their dominance count with two quick goals. Two more before the break meant that the game was done and dusted earlier than expected, but they continued to show plenty of attacking intent in the second half. Meanwhile, they were organised enough in defence to not really give the hosts a chance of getting a goal back. While there are sure to be a few more bumps in the road before they secure their safety, it is impossible to see this Villa side going down after a performance like that.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Charles N'Zogbia: The winger's resurgence under Sherwood continued with a wonderful showing against the Black Cats. He was rampant down the right wing and played a key role in all of Villa's fluid attacks before he was substituted late on. He is going to be an important part of the team's battle for survival.
Biggest gaffe
John O'Shea had a shocker in the build-up for Villa's second goal as he allowed a long ball to bounce past him before Agbonlahor slotted beyond Costel Pantilimon. On a bad day for the whole Sunderland defence, you would have expected their experienced captain to have done much better in that situation.
Referee performance
Neil Swarbrick enjoyed a solid afternoon officiating the game as he gave the players enough freedom to make it a physical encounter without anything spilling over. His biggest decision was to turn down a Sunderland penalty appeal when Ciaran Clark looked to have handled the ball in the box, though it was the correct call because there was little that the Villa defender could have done when the ball bounced up onto him.
What next?
Sunderland: The Black Cats are back in action next Saturday when they face West Ham United at Upton Park in the Premier League.
Aston Villa: The Villans continue their battle for Premier League survival next Saturday at home to Swansea City.
Jack Prescott
