Sherwood pleased with Villa performance but frustrated by result - and injury

Sherwood went to kick a cluster of water bottles when Villa were denied a penalty late in the Barclays Premier League game.

To add insult to injury, literally in Sherwood's case, referee Robert Madley booked substitute Carles Gil for simulation.

Sherwood refrained from kicking the bottles in the direction of the crowd, opting to backheel them instead. However, in doing so he caused himself a mischief.

Sherwood explained: "I said in the week (after the Notts County game) that I pulled a hamstring just watching it, well I actually think I have this time.

"I was going to give them a boot but they would have gone towards the crowd so I thought I'd backheel them instead.

"(Feeling his hamstring) it's a bit tight. I wish I hadn't. I must have looked like a spoilt brat. I tell my kids off for behaving like that.

"But when you don't get what you feel you deserve, everyone sulks don't they? Or is that just me?"

The game itself was dominated by Villa for large parts but they could not find a winning goal their endeavour deserved.

Yann M'Vila's superb free-kick put Sunderland ahead early on but a Scott Sinclair double before half-time, the first from the penalty spot, turned the match on its head.

However, Sunderland equalised at the start of the second half through Jeremain Lens, although they were indebted to goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon for a handful of saves, most notably to deny Ashley Westwood, as they escaped with a 2-2 draw.

Sherwood added: "I'm disappointed not to take all three points but there were some excellent performances out there from my players.

"I'm pleased with how we played, we created chances from all areas of the field and should have had a penalty.

"It was one-way traffic for long spells. The only thing missing is the fine margins, the finishing touch. We should have been out of sight."

Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat was happy with a point and sees some positives to build on when the league resumes next month following the international break.

He said: "For the majority (of the match) Villa were the better team and a point from an away game is good. I am pleased with the performance.

"We started well and scored but then gave an easy goal away, which gives the other team a lift.

"We did okay again at the start of the second half but then Villa took over again and we had problems with their wingers.

"We were better in the second half but we have to improve again.

"It's a shame some of the players are going away but it is something to pick up next time, in the next game."