Sunderland's search for their first win of the campaign goes on after they held Aston Villa to a 2-2 draw at Villa Park this afternoon.

The visitors took the lead through Yann M'Vila's free kick, but were pegged back by Scott Sinclair, who netted from the penalty spot.

Sinclair then grabbed his second of the game before a much-improved Sunderland levelled through Jeremain Lens after the restart.

Here,Sports Mole provides analysis of the game.

Match statistics

ASTON VILLA
Shots: 21
On target: 6
Possession: 62
Corners: 5
Fouls: 10

SUNDERLAND
Shots: 7
On target: 3
Possession: 38
Corners: 4
Fouls: 14

Was the result fair?
Possibly...Villa shared the greater possession and carved out more clear-cut chances, but Dick Advocaat brought on Steven Fletcher and Ola Toivonen after the restart and the pair contributed to a much-improved second-half performance from the Black Cats.

They were the better team for the first 20 minutes or so of the second half and made their dominance count with the equaliser.

Aston Villa's performance
Manager Tim Sherwood kept faith with Scott Sinclair after his League Cup hat-trick and he rewarded his manager with a fine display and two goals, he was a big plus point for the Villans, who did well in parts, but were guilty of wasting a number of openings in the first period. The home side were perhaps guilty of trying to use Rudy Gestede's ability in the air too much.

These are games that Villa need to be winning though if they want to avoid another season of struggle down the wrong end of the table, and Sherwood will be unhappy that his charges did not take maximum points here.

Sunderland's performance
The visitors struggled in the first half, despite taking the lead, but they were a much different proposition for most of the second half.

Villa will feel that they should have won it, but Sunderland were the dominant side for the first 20 minutes or so of the second half.

Advocaat's subs worked a treat, and although the wait for their first win of the season goes on, the Black Cats will be pleased with their display overall.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Scott Sinclair: The former Manchester City forward's career has been given a shot in the arm at Aston Villa, and after his midweek hat-trick in the League Cup, he followed it up with a double to reward Sherwood's faith in him.

Sinclair is now on five goals for the season, and he can form a potent partnership with Rudy Gestede up top if given the chance. The versatile Sinclair was a thorn in Sunderland's side throughout. An impressive performance.

Biggest gaffe

Micah Richards really should have given his side the lead in the second half when he latched onto Sinclair's cross, but somehow the ex-Man City defender conspired to send the ball straight at Costel Pantilimon in the Sunderland goal.

Some of the Villa fans were already in celebration when the chance arose. They were disappointed!

Referee performance

Referee Robert Madley enjoyed a good performance. He correctly awarded Villa a penalty after a clumsy tackle from Lee Cattermole on Sinclair, and the official was also spot on when booking Carles Gil for a dive inside the area.

Pantilimon was also booked for time wasting in the final few minutes, correctly.

What next?

Aston Villa: Sherwood takes his charges to Leicester City on September 13, as they look to end a three-game run without a win in the Premier League.

Sunderland: Sunderland host Tottenham Hotspur after the international break on September 12.