“I am so, so happy,” said Aston Villa manager Unai Emery after his team secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over Sunderland.
The match took place at Villa Park on April 19, 2026. Tammy Abraham scored the winning goal three minutes into injury time. Ollie Watkins contributed significantly, netting two goals and bringing his total to 102 for the club.
Sunderland’s Chris Rigg scored their first Premier League goal since May 2017, but it was not enough to secure points. Despite the loss, Sunderland had already secured their Premier League status before this match.
Aston Villa now holds a 10-point lead over Chelsea in the league standings. This victory marked their fifth win in 15 league games since December. The atmosphere during the match was relaxed as both teams had achieved their season goals.
Yet, Emery noted the need for improvement: “We need strikers and goalkeepers.” His focus remains on competing for Champions League qualification.
Sunderland, having defeated Tottenham 1-0 in their last match, needed just one more point to ensure safety in the league. They have recorded four victories in their last ten league games.
In their previous encounter, Aston Villa and Sunderland ended in a 1-1 draw. The contrast between that result and this high-scoring affair highlights the competitive nature of both teams this season.
The closing moments were tense as Aston Villa fought hard to maintain their lead. “It was the match – three points for them and no three points for us,” Emery remarked, emphasizing the importance of this win.
With this result, Aston Villa strengthens its position while Sunderland remains close to securing its place in the league for next season.