Overview

• Sunderland earned a point after Reinildo was sent off for kicking Matty Cash, with Régis Le Bris withdrawing debutant Chris Rigg around the 37th minute to introduce Dan Ballard and switch to a back three.
• Matty Cash put Villa ahead before Wilson Isidor’s 75th-minute equaliser secured the draw, reinforcing Sunderland’s promising early-season position.
• Trai Hume detailed the halftime instructions focused on structure and togetherness, crediting the plan for a disciplined second half with 10 men.
• Alan Shearer praised Nordi Mukiele’s display, naming him in his Team of the Week and describing the defender’s performance as a masterclass.
• Analysis highlights Le Bris blending last season’s core with summer recruits, with leadership from Granit Xhaka and growing selection pressure from a deep bench.