Wilson Isidor matches 15-year Sunderland record against Aston Villa last completed by Darren Bent

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Sunderland continue their dream return to the Premier League, registering a hard-fought point against Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats took on an out-of-sorts Villa side, who were yet to register a single goal in the league, let alone a win under Unai Emery.

With such strong home form, Sunderland were looking to capitalise on that, but the afternoon became an awful lot tougher when Reinildo Mandava was sent off for violent conduct after the half-hour mark.

Aston Villa then took control, taking the lead through Matty Cash’s outrageous strike from range.

It didn’t take long for the home side to fight their way back in, though, as Wilson Isidor scored the equaliser.

That meant Sunderland vs Aston Villa ended as a draw, continuing a decent start for the Black Cats, as some familiar records have been matched early doors.

One of those was set out by Darren Bent 15 years ago.

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Wilson Isidor matches Darren Bent’s start to the 2010/11 Premier League season for Sunderland

If Sunderland are to survive in the Premier League, then getting off to a good start will be vital to their chances.

That has certainly happened so far, as eight points are already on the table after just five games.

While the Black Cats will want to deal in wins, earning a point against Aston Villa from their position in the match constitutes a good point.

It also continued a good start for Isidor, who scored his third goal at the Stadium of Light this season in the Premier League, finding the back of the net in consecutive matches.

It’s the first time a Sunderland striker has managed to score in each of the first three Premier League matches at home since 2010/11, which was completed by Darren Bent.

The 25-year-old has got off to a great start, helping earn some important points early on in the season.

It’s unclear whether he can continue that form, but Sunderland have a foothold in the Premier League, which can give them some foundations to build from.

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Sunderland’s home form will be key to Premier League survival

Sunderland have had an ideal start to the season, but eight points will only be the start for them, and more results are needed to push towards the goal of survival.

The home form will be particularly key to that, as they can make the Stadium of Light a real fortress, tough for teams to visit.

Seven of those first eight points have come there, and there will be more to come.

Matches against Wolves and Everton at home will be key, while the away games get tough with trips to Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Chelsea.