AstonVilla bounced back from an mediocre start at Old Trafford to defeat Sunderland at Villa Park on Monday. The Black Cats, fresh from a 1-0 victory over Everton and relegation far from sight, were placed in the danger zone by Villa’s scoring spree.
Ron Vlaar put the home team one goal ahead, something Sunderland’s quick response through Danny Rose negated. Villa forward Andre Weimann regained the lead in the 38th minute for the home team.
Prolific striker Christian Benteke came back from the break to net an astonishing hat- trick in the space of 17 minutes. Benteke’s solo performance handed the home team a convincing lead, justifying his nomination for Young PFA. Gabriel Agbolanhor put in the final goal of the night two minutes from full time. The game ended 6-1.
The loss leaves Paolo Di Canio’s men nursing relegation fears with three matches left to be played and tied on the same points with Aston Villa and Newcastle, five points above Wigan sitting in the drop zone. The tendency that one of the three might drop more points can’t be ruled out as the season boils down to a close.
