Aston Villa’s search for a first Premier League win goes on after 10-man Sunderland produced a spirited performance to come from behind and secure a crucial point.
Black Cats defender Reinildo was shown a straight red card in the 33rd minute for violent conduct, kicking out at Matty Cash after being bundled over by the right-back.
Sunderland dug in to frustrate the visitors and almost snatched the lead through Omar Alderete’s 51st-minute header which crashed against the bar.
Villa thought they had earned their first win of the season when Cash then scored from 25 yards, with goalkeeper Robin Roefs beaten by the vicious swerve of the strike.
But the visitors were unable to build on scoring their first top-flight goal of the season, and Wilson Isidor equalised from close range after a headed assist by captain Granit Xhaka.
Sunderland are now unbeaten in three top-flight matches and have eight points from five matches.
Meanwhile, Villa have three and remain in the bottom three.