A scrappy first half has seen Aston Villa and Sunderland go into half time of their Premier League clash with the score at 0-0.

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The Black Cats made a lively start and won a couple of corners during an encouraging opening period.

It was Villa who had the game's first real chance, however, as the ball was played to Christian Benteke on the edge of the box. The striker worked the space well, but his effort went over the bar.

Andreas Weimann then found space in the middle and turned past one man before Sunderland's John O'Shea got in to make a vital tackle and eventually clear.

The game suffered because of a stoppage in play while Liam Bridcutt was down injured, and neither side really looked threatening as the half wore on.

Villa ended the half the stronger of the two sides, but they struggled to create a clear goalscoring chance.