BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Chris Rigg of Sunderland celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Sunderland at Villa Park on April 19, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) | Getty Images John Wilson says…A landmark goal for Chris RiggWhat a great moment in the first half as Rigg curled a beautiful shot into the far corner for his first goal in the Premier League.A lovely team move for a very encouraging equaliser.‘Til The End…once again!How many times?Beautiful and well-deserved goals from Trai Hume and Wilson Isidor gave the game a superb ending. Just as it was petering out, what a barnstorming finish — and we could easily have won it before that killer blow.Despite the scoreline, I felt we matched Villa for most of the game.The Villans absolutely had the edge in the final third, but it was a good game of football and I think we can hold our heads up for our display at Villa Park.There’s a lot to take from this game and if we play like this for the remaining games, we’ll pick up more points.A lack of Sunderland firepowerAs mentioned, it’s in attack that we aren’t lethal enough.Brian Brobbey wasn’t in the game much and we didn’t manage to get the ball into him.

On many occasions, our problem was an over-hit pass or not enough composure on the ball.We need to address our striking options and forward play for next season.The Lads leave empty-handedThere isn’t another negative, other than what an absolute shame we didn’t get anything from the game.Well battled, lads.Joseph Tulip says…Three goals on the roadMuch has been said about our perceived lack of creativity going forward and a lack of goals from a side which was built on a solid defence.That was turned on its head but it must be acknowledged that we scored three good goals and really took the game to Villa — particularly during the first half and then in the latter stages of the game.A moment to savour for Trai HumeHume has had to settle for a place on the bench recently, but he’s played more minutes than any other player in our squad this season and has made such a huge contribution to what’s been an outstanding season for Sunderland.He took his goal well after coming on as a sub and deserved his moment at Villa Park.A defensive disasterWe’ve been excellent at the back this season and I’ve enjoyed watching the way we’ve been so well organised and disciplined — both collectively and individually — but we struggled to contain Villa and Ollie Watkins in particular.Whilst they’re chasing Champions League qualification, it was disappointing to concede four goals in a match. We looked so open at times and Luke O’Nien (who’s performed well during his recent run in the team), looked way below the standard required for the Premier League yesterday.I’m a huge admirer of O’Nien and would certainly not bet against him putting this game behind him and responding well in his next appearance, regardless of whether he keeps his place for Forest or not.A missed opportunity for the LadsWith Premier League safety secured, we had nothing to lose against high-flying Villa and we gave them a real fright, scoring three goals away from home.Habib Diarra’s miss aside, had we defended to the level we’ve done so often this season, we could’ve claimed one of the results of the campaign.It was a missed opportunity to really stake our claim for a top half finish, but all things considered, no damage has been done and there’s no shame in losing at Villa.Lars Knutsen says…Sunderland find their range in front of goalWe scored three goals away from home in a very close game against a top team.In some ways, the change of tactics in taking Brian Brobbey off for Wilson Isidor came too late in the game, but the changes worked magnificently as we came back from 1-3 down to level at 3-3.We should’ve crossed more balls in for the Dutchman in the first hour of the game, when he was underused.The Lads fight until the last kick!Again, this team, whatever the formation and precise line-up, is totally irrepressible and don’t know when they’re beaten.Aston Villa are a proper football club, but we matched them for much of the game, which strongly illustrates the successful season we’ve had.A great game for the neutralsWe played our part in a very entertaining game of football.It had everything: Sunderland going behind and making a great comeback, but losing concentration at the very end.Obviously, I would rather have come away from Villa Park with a victory, but the fans I spoke with afterwards, and even the neutrals, found the game engaging, skilful and compelling.Some sloppy defending proves costlyNormally, this team loves to defend, and does it very well.Being at Villa Park means that I’ve not seen the goals replayed yet, but I would say that at least two came from errors, which is unusual. Perhaps more caution in the first thirty minutes would’ve been called for — even starting with a back fi