Afternoon friends, and welcome to our live coverage of this big game at Villa Park. Hopefully it's not too outlandish to suggest both sides could do with a win, even this early in the season...

ASTON VILLA 2-2 SUNDERLAND: That's full-time. A slightly controversial finish, with Sherwood moaning about everything, but Sunderland come away with a point. Sinclair scored twice for Villa, either side of Yann M'Vila's opener and then Jeremain Lens' deflected equaliser.

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Sunderland throw everyone up for a final corner. The ball is put into the mixer but Villa eventually clear.

Four minutes of stoppage time.

Pantilimon booked for time wasting. Tells you what you need to know about Sunderland's approach to this last 10 minutes.

Desperate defending from Villa. M'Vila frustrates Gil, and then from the corner Richards heads narrowly over.

Another fluffed chance for Villa! Gestede scuffs his shot again!

All Villa now. Sunderland trying to shut up shop.

Another penalty shout, this time as Sanchez is nudged over by O'Shea as the high cross comes in. It never looked like the midfielder was going to reach the ball, however.

Controversial moment here, as Gil runs into the box and goes down under a challenge from Kaboul. It looks for a second like the referee is going to award a penalty ... but instead he books the Spaniard for diving!

Final Sunderland sub: Sebastian Larsson comes on for Jeremain Lens.

Entering the final 15 minutes. Feels like there could be a winner in this one.

A glorious chance horribly wasted from Defoe. The ball is played in behind the defence for the striker, but his first touch lets him down horribly with only Guzan to beat!

Gueye goes for the spectacular from 30 yards. Nope.

Villa substitution: Carles Gil is on for Bacuna. Interesting to see if this will change the game.

Fair play to Sunderland, they've really improved in this second half. Home fans beginning to get a touch restless here.

This game really opening up now. Amavi dances around Jones and tries to flick a shot over Pantilimon, but his effort is deflected into the side netting.

HOW WAS THAT NOT A GOAL?! Surely Villa should be leading again. Sinclair fires a great ball across the goalmouth that finds Richards at the far post, but somehow the ball rebounds off the diving defender and straight into the goalkeeper's arms. Astonishing miss!

Toivonen, eager to make an impact, bundles into Gueye as he tries to win the ball back. A clumsy foul, but probably a good idea not to allow the home side to push forward. They've been startled since the restart.