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Aston Villa's wait for a first Premier League victory of the season continued on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by ten-man Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The match offered Villa some relief with Matty Cash's long-range strike ending their top-flight goal drought, but Unai Emery's side failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage after Sunderland's Reinildo Mandava was dismissed in the 33rd minute.
Despite playing with an extra man for nearly an hour, Villa struggled to create meaningful chances, managing just two shots on target across the afternoon. Their lack of penetration proved costly when Wilson Isidor struck in the 75th minute to earn Sunderland a share of the points.
The visitors not only failed to press home their advantage but also registered fewer total shots than the hosts, leaving supporters and their manager frustrated. Emery's disappointment was clear as he left the touchline 30 seconds before the final whistle, marching down the tunnel before his players had even left the pitch.
The Spaniard has grown increasingly exasperated with his side's inability to stick to his detailed tactical framework. Reports suggest Emery is concerned that several players are drifting away from his rigid structure, leading to disjointed performances and a lack of control in matches.
"Frustrated and disappointed a little bit, but not with the result," Emery began in his post-match press conference.
"It should have been easier to take advantage, but we were not playing with our identity, with the ideas we have been building in the last three years."
"We were lazy sometimes, lazy. The goal we conceded, we were lazy. Perhaps that's because we didn't play in our style. My worry is through how we are not feeling confident in getting our identity. I am missing it. We have to get confidence. Some players are not confident.
"Sometimes lazy when we are playing here away, we have to fight the duels, and we were not fighting all duels. I watched the goal we conceded and we were lazy. We were lazy, but all the team, not the centre-backs or Cash. We are lazy."
