2 Up, 2 Down: Sunderland Edged Out In A High-Scoring Classic

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Chris Rigg of Sunderland celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Sunderland at Villa Park on April 19, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) | Getty Images John Wilson says… A landmark goal for Chris Rigg What a great moment in the first half as Rigg curled a beautiful shot into the far corner for his first goal in the Premier League. A lovely team move for a very encouraging equaliser.

‘Til The End…once again! How many times? Beautiful and well-deserved goals from Trai Hume and Wilson Isidor gave the game a superb ending.

Just as it was petering out, what a barnstorming finish — and we could easily have won it before that killer blow. Despite the scoreline, I felt we matched Villa for most of the game. The Villans absolutely had the edge in the final third, but it was a good game of football and I think we can hold our heads up for our display at Villa Park.

There’s a lot to take from this game and if we play like this for the remaining games, we’ll pick up more points. A lack of Sunderland firepower As mentioned, it’s in attack that we aren’t lethal enough. Brian Brobbey wasn’t in the game much and we didn’t manage to get the ball into him.