Football Hunter Soccer blog

A late substitute Michael Chopra strike gave Sunderland’s survival ambitions a lift and hit Aston Villa’s European hopes.

Michael Chopra raced on to Kieran Richardson’s pass with seven minutes left to beat seal Sunderland’s and Scott Carson first away win in the league this term.

Villa were letting down, with Marlon Harewood rotting their nice chance when he was clearly through after the halftime.

Sunderland were suitable winners, with Roy O’Donovan off target before substitute Chopra struck.

Sunderland suffered a setback before kick-off when powerful striker Kenwyne Jones was rejected through illness, while Villa’s only change was the recall of Craig Gardner for suspended Olof Mellberg.

John Carew almost gave Villa the great beginning after four minutes when he produced a surprisal overhead kick which flew narrowly wide with Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon motionless.