Follow live coverage as Sunderland face Aston Villa today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Liverpool look to fend off competition from Arsenal, Manchester City and more.
The race for the Champions League places should also be a compelling battle, with a fifth place possible for English teams. Manchester United’s latest rebuild under Ruben Amorim sets expectations high once more after a dismal season last time out.
Meanwhile, it’s Burnley, Leeds United and Sunderland who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:
Sunderland AFC 1 - 1 Aston Villa FC
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:43There's also a straight swap in Villa's midfield, as Bogarde comes on for Kamara.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:42Emery responds with a double change. First, Sancho will replace Rogers.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:42Finally, Geertruida takes the place of Le Fee.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:41Making his league debut for the Black Cats, Masuaku is sent on to replace Talbi.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:41Introducing some fresh legs into his tiring team, Le Bris makes a triple substitution. First, Isidor is warmly applauded as he makes way for Mayenda.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:41Sunderland's nine outfield players are all back defending Roefs' goal, as Aston Villa press forward in search of a second goal. Will there be one more late twist in this match?
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:38Cleverly picking out Isidor in the box, Xhaka cushions a headed pass towards Sunderland's star striker.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:38GOAL!!! SUNDERLAND STRIKE BACK! It's 1-1! Isidor does it again, scoring for third time in as many Premier League games at the Stadium of Light. When Villa fail to clear a dropping ball Xhaka nods it on neatly to his team-mate, who then prods it past Martinez and into the bottom-right corner! Game on!
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:36An obvious shirt-pull on Cash costs Sadiki a yellow card.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:35The visitors make a change on their right flank, as Guessand is replaced by Malen.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:36Aston Villa have avoided defeat in their last 12 matches when scoring first in the Premier League - a run dating back to the end of last year. While losing is no longer on the cards today, they'll be feeling the pressure to claim all three points.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:33Mid-range specialist Xhaka is left disappointed with his 20-yard shot, which is scuffed pretty tamely at Martinez. Sunderland are certainly not out of this, as Villa - still awaiting their first win - are bound to have some nerves.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:32Cash, who scored a beauty for Poland earlier this month, may seem like an unlikely source to turn this game Villa's way, but it was surely worth a speculative attempt. Roefs should've done better, but the away fans won't care!
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:29GOAL!!! ASTON VILLA LEAD! The Villans finally score a Premier League goal - the drought is over! And what a way to do it! Cash picks up a short pass from Kamara and lets fly with a swerving strike towards goal, and Roefs can't keep it out. The ball glances off the goalkeeper's gloves and into the roof of the net! Ten-man Sunderland trail 1-0 on home turf!
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:28Assist Boubacar Kamara
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:28Seeking a third home goal of the Premier League season, Isidor tries an acrobatic finish in the box, but he can't keep his effort on target. Sunderland's set-piece threat remains the most likely route to goal.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:25At the hour mark, Aston Villa's chance of victory is a healthy 57% according to Opta's live win predictor. Perhaps someone should tell their forwards, who've barely made an impact so far.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:25While awaiting a corner into the Aston Villa box, Maatsen blocks off danger-man Ballard. The referee spots him and writes his name in the book.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:23Guessand and Rogers combine in the box, teeing up Elliott to shoot from 20 yards out. The latter's strike is charged down and runs behind for a corner, but nothing comes of the subsequent set-piece.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:19Maatsen replaces Buendia, who has had an ineffective shift today.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:18With his team being outplayed and outfought by 10-man opponents, Emery has seen enough. First, Digne is replaced by Elliott.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:18Mukiele is the intended recipient this time, as a curling corner-kick into the six-yard box is glanced wide by Rogers, just before it reaches the French full-back's head.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:18Despite their numerical disadvantage, Sunderland have still recorded eight shots to Villa's five so far. Mukiele's throw-ins are keeping the pressure on their visitors - and keeping the dream of three straight home wins alive.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:15Buendia curls in a corner from the right, but it beats all of his team-mates in the Sunderland area, including Konsa at the back post. Aston Villa simply haven't been good enough throughout the final third.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:14OFF THE BAR! Ten-man Sunderland come close! Another Mukiele long-throw causes havoc in the Villa box, and following a short spell of pinball, Alderete sends his header against the crossbar. That brings the Stadium of Light to life!
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:10Mukiele's long throw from the left is only partly cleared at the near post, and the ball drops nicely for Talbi. However, his first-time volley zips well over the top from 18 yards out.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:09McGinn lashes an ambitious mid-range strike high over the crossbar, as Villa's wayward shooting continues. Still, they've started this second half with some intensity.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:06Aston Villa kick off, and we are back under way at the Stadium of Light!
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
15:00No team have had fewer first-half shots than Aston Villa in the Premier League this season (17, level with West Ham), so it's no surprise that their goal drought goes on. Some 513 minutes of football have now passed since the club's last top-flight strike, and confidence seems in short supply. If they fail to score against 10-man opponents today, Emery will have some questions to answer. While he may introduce new boys Elliott and Sancho sooner rather than later, will Le Bris stick with his current XI and try to scrap out a point?
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:56Still goalless at the break, a tepid encounter between Sunderland and Aston Villa has featured only one major incident so far, with Reinildo's red card reducing the hosts to 10 men. For the first half-hour, they had comfortably kept Villa at bay - albeit the visitors nearly went in front when Roefs denied Guessand's close-range shot. The Black Cats were forced back, though, after their experienced left-back lost his head, kicking out at Cash. As half-time approached, Villa dominated the ball and pressed forward, though they failed to create any more clear chances despite their numerical advantage. The visitors' xG of 0.34 just beats Sunderland's 0.21 so far, but there's been a distinct lack of quality all round.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:50RED CARD! Sunderland are down to 10 men! After being sent to the ground by Cash's late challenge on the touchline, Reinildo kicks out with both legs at his opponent - albeit without much force. Before a VAR check can be completed, the referee flashes his red card!
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:50HALF-TIME: SUNDERLAND 0-0 ASTON VILLA
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:50Meeting Kamara's throughball, Guessand arrives on the right side of Sunderland's area. However, he can't get much on the ball and sends it straight to Roefs.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:48Digne delivers a free-kick from the left wing towards the back post, but Alderete does well to head it away under pressure from McGinn. Compared to last season, Villa's set-pieces have been pretty unimpressive this term.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:47There will be at least three minutes added for stoppages at the end of this half - can toothless Aston Villa break through a stubborn Sunderland defence?
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:46Kamara clips a smart pass over to Rogers, who has a rare chance to turn in the opposition box. However, his first touch is heavy, before he brings down a Sunderland defender. It's been a first half to forget for the England forward.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:44Summing up Villa's attacking efforts so far, Buendia blazes a 20-yard shot high over the top when Roefs fails to make a convincing clearance.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:42Now, with almost an hour to play with an extra player, Aston Villa must expect to finally end their Premier League goal drought. Dating back to last season, they've failed to score in five consecutive league games.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:39It's rising star Rigg that will be sacrificed, as Ballard is sent on to fill the gap left by Reinildo.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:40Isidor glances a tame header straight to Martinez, following a flick-on that came from another Mukiele long throw-in. That could be a good route to goal for the 10-man hosts.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:38Play resumes with a free-kick, which Xhaka pumps forward from the left, but Kamara rises highest to head the ball away. Surely, Sunderland boss Le Bris will have to make a change, with his left-back sent off.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:33From over 40 yards out on the right, Xhaka sends over a raking free-kick. Mukiele meets it with a diving header on the left side of Villa's box, but the visitors get the ball clear easily enough.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:32The home fans are in uproar when McGinn hits the deck and wins a soft free-kick for a foul by Talbi. Villa's skipper was perhaps a little lucky to get that decision.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:30So comfortable for the first 20-odd minutes, Sunderland have just survived a big scare. If Villa are allowed to build up some momentum, they still have sufficient quality to take control of this match.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:30SUPER STOP! Villa should score! Cash delivers a free-kick from the right flank, curling his high cross into the area. Guessand wins the original header, which isn't fully cleared, and he then turns and shoots following a short Rogers pass. The Ivorian forward fires straight at Roefs from close range, and the goalkeeper also repels a follow-up from Watkins - albeit the latter was actually offside.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:26Just past the midpoint of this first half, Aston Villa are clear favourites to prevail - that's according to Opta's live win predictor. Despite another tepid start, they have a 51% chance of victory, compared to Sunderland's 23%.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:24With no shots - and no touches in the Sunderland box - Villa are struggling to get their key creators on the ball. Buendia has been quiet, while Rogers has touched the ball just twice so far.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:22Under pressure from Villa captain McGinn, Alderete can only loop a tame 10-yard header into the waiting gloves of Martinez, following a long throw-in from the left by Mukiele.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:21Sunderland are now keeping possession in their own half, patiently waiting for any gaps to appear in Aston Villa's defence. The tempo in this contest has inched down just a little over the past few minutes.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:20Mukiele's long ball towards the box is only partly cleared by Konsa, before Villa fully clear their lines. Moments later, Konsa has to slide in and block a powerful Isidor drive - it'll be a Sunderland corner.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:17After having most of the ball early on, Sunderland's possession share has now slipped to 46%. While Aston Villa have managed to get a good foothold in this game, they're still lacking composure and confidence up front.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:16Attacking at pace, Sunderland steam forward through Talbi, who raids down the right and whips over an early cross for Isidor. However, the striker can only steer his near-post header high over the crossbar.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:13Sunderland have scored five goals from just nine shots on target in the Premier League this season (56%), with only Arsenal (64%) converting a higher share of their attempts on target. Still goalless, Villa have actually taken more shots than today's hosts.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:11A loose touch by Hume gifts Aston Villa a corner-kick on the left, which Buendia takes short. When it's finally delivered into the area, Hume redeems himself by heading the ball away.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:09Watkins wins a throw-in high up on the left flank, and Digne dleivers it to Konsa. However, the defender's lofted cross into a packed penalty box strays too close to Roefs, who leaves his line to grab it.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:07Hume's inswinging corner-kick is cleared away by Villa forward Guessand, who has been called into defensive action more than once already. Sunderland go back and build again, but the visitors are settled in a tight defensive shape.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:05When Villa quickly counter-attack down the right with Cash, a lunging challenge from Le Fee brings the Poland international down. Nothing comes of the subsequent free-kick, though.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:02It’s been a while since these clubs last met: Aston Villa did a league double over Sunderland in the Championship eight years ago, but the Black Cats won the most recent Premier League meeting in January 2016. Who'll come out on top today?
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:02The hosts kick off, and we are under way in Sunderland!
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
14:01Both teams are out at a sunny Stadium of Light, so kick-off in this Premier League contest is now just moments away!
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
13:57Neither Youri Tielemans nor Amadou Onana are available for Villa, but Kamara returns to the visitors’ injury-hit midfield; Bogarde drops out of the XI that started against Everton. Despite scoring Villa’s first goal of the season in midweek, Elliott returns to the bench.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
13:52Le Bris makes two changes to the team that drew with Crystal Palace, giving local lad Rigg his first Premier League start and bringing in Le Fee. Habib Diarra misses out through injury, while Adingra drops down to the bench. Keeping his place up front, Isidor has scored in both of Sunderland’s Premier League home games so far.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
13:52SUBS: Marco Bizot, Victor Lindelof, Harvey Elliott, Pau Torres, Donyell Malen, Jadon Sancho, Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, Ian Maatsen, Lamare Bogarde.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
13:47ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Emiliano Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne; Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn; Emiliano Buendia, Morgan Rogers, Evann Guessand; Ollie Watkins.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
13:41SUBS: Anthony Patterson, Dan Neil, Brian Brobbey, Dan Ballard, Lutsharel Geertruida, Eliezer Mayenda, Simon Adingra, Bertrand Traore, Arthur Masuaku.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
13:41SUNDERLAND (4-3-3): Robin Roefs; Trai Hume, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, Reinildo Mandava; Chris Rigg, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki; Chemsdine Talbi, Wilson Isidor, Enzo Le Fee.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
13:36Only kept off the foot of the table by Wolves, 19th-placed Aston Villa have no Premier League goals and just two points on the board. As a result, the Birmingham club - who reached the Champions League quarter-finals last season - are still seeking their first win this term. After last week’s goalless draw with Everton, Unai Emery’s men were then beaten on penalties by Brentford in the EFL Cup, making for a miserable start to their 2025-26 campaign.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
13:36After some ambitious recruitment, Sunderland have made a strong start to life back in the Premier League, claiming seven points from a possible 12 so far. Last week, the Black Cats held hosts Crystal Palace to a 0-0 draw, and they now return to Wearside. Regis Le Bris has led his side to victory in both league games at the Stadium of Light this term, so Sunderland now have a chance to win their first three top-flight home fixtures for the first time since 1965.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
13:36Hello and welcome to live coverage of today's Premier League clash between Sunderland and Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light!
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
13:30Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
12:00Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
