Former Sheffield United defender Phil Bardsley (80 minutes) netted for the Black Cats, lashing home from ten yards.
Both sides were reduced to ten men when Emile Heskey firstly was handed a straight red card following a spat with Jordan Henderson and substitute Boudewijn Zenden received two yellow cards for the visitors.
Heskey will now be suspended for the trip to Bramall Lane this Saturday; the striker will miss the next three fixtures for Villa and could be replaced by John Carew during his absence.
West Ham United’s woes continued as they recorded a 5-0 defeat at Newcastle United; Leon Best netting a hat-trick for the Magpies as the Hammers stays firmly rooted at the foot of the table.