Nothing champion for Villa in Sunderland draw

Aston Villa’s hopes of playing in next season’s Champions League suffered a major setback after they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Sunderland here on Wednesday.

Needing a win to move to within two points of fourth-placed Tottenham, Villa fell behind against the run of play when Fraizer Campbell fired the visitors into a 22nd minute lead.

And although long-serving Norway striker John Carew levelled eight minutes later with his 14th of the season, and his third in two games, Villa were unable to find a winner to the frustration of their fans.

Their seventh draw in 10 games left them four points behind fourth-placed Tottenham with eight games to play.

The discontent that swirled around Sunderland during the winter has been expelled in the direction of Villa, whose supporters are impatient to see Martin O’Neill’s men rediscover the spring in their step.

O’Neill was understandably indignant at the boos which echoed around Villa Park during and after last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with struggling Wolves. O’Neill pointed out afterwards that Villa were unbeaten in the league in 2010, with their only defeat coming in the League Cup final.

Nonetheless, Villa have drawn six of their nine league games this year and are currently fourth favourites out of four for a Champions League place.

Despite the negative reaction from the stands four days earlier, O’Neill sent out the same side at Villa Park that was booed by some among the home support during the weekend.

And his decision to stay loyal to his players appeared justified as Villa quickly adapted to the greasy conditions and, on a wet night, looked to exploit Sunderland’s poor away form.

Steve Bruce’s team had won only once in their previous 24 league games away from Wearside and Sunderland’s leaky defence soon found itself under pressure.

Keeper Craig Gordon saved well from Ashley Young and James Collins inside the opening 10 minutes before the hosts lost striker Emile Heskey to a foot injury in the 14th minute.

But Heskey’s absence failed to disrupt Villa, Collins wasting a glorious 19th minute chance when he headed a free-kick by Young wide of the target.

Sunderland though stunned O’Neill’s side by taking a 22nd minute lead after an impressive move involving two former Manchester United players.

A defence-splitting through ball by Kieran Richardson found Campbell who clipped the ball over advancing keeper Brad Friedel.

But Sunderland’s lead lasted eight minutes as Villa came roaring back, Carew tapping home from close range after another delightful cross by the impressive Young.

In an entertaining contest, Sunderland should have regained the lead inside the opening five minutes of the second half.

The Villa defence was caught napping as John Mensah, on loan from Lyon, was allowed to rise unchallenged on the edge of the six-yard area.

Fortunately for the home fans, Mensah failed to find the target and Villa responded immediately when Carew was teed-up by James Milner.

This time Gordon was equal to the challenge as the Scottish keeper denied Carew with a smart save.