Tim Sherwood hails ‘professional’ Aston Villa display in crushing victory over Sunderland

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood praised his rejuvenated side’s ‘professional’ display as they put Sunderland to the sword with a 4-0 demolition at the Stadium of Light.

Two goals apiece for Christian Benteke and Gabriel Agbonlahor completed a stunning first half showing which left the home side in shock and secured a third Villa win on the bounce in all competitions.

Sherwood, who only took charge last month, admitted he was as impressed with his side’s defensive efforts as he was with their newly-established creativity up front.

“I thought we were very professional in the way we saw the game out,” Sherwood told talkSPORT.

“You can become sloppy when you are 4-0 up and it was only us who could shoot ourselves in the foot. I was almost as pleased with keeping a clean sheet as I was with the four goals.”

Sherwood witnessed Benteke and Agbonlahor, who both notched their third strikes in two games, run riot in the first half and the Villa manager believes the strikers have been unfairly scrutinised this season.

“They’ve come in for some criticism quite unfairly in my eyes," the former Tottenham boss said. "If you create chances for those two guys they will score goals and they proved that today."

The Villa chief acknowledged the importance of his side’s first away league victory since the start of December as they moved up to 16th in the table and simultaneously leapfrogged their stricken opponents.

“We’ve dragged Sunderland into it now," said Sherwood. "We’re not in the league to destroy anyone’s season though - we’re trying to look after our own.

“It’s all about the Swansea game now, it’s vitally important for us.”

Sherwood also issued some reassuring words for former Tottenham colleague Gus Poyet who was subject to torrents of abuse from Sunderland fans, with many leaving before half time.

He added: “Gus is all about character, desire and he’s got a big heart. He will keep a level head as he’s seen it all before. He’ll be bouncing back along with his players."