A SENSE OF DÉJÀ VU PERVADED Villa Park yesterday as these two teams managed to overwrite the records of mediocrity they established in this fixture three years ago. Then, as now, Aston Villa finished sixteenth in the Premiership after prevailing by a single goal over a Sunderland side already relegated.

Then, as now, Villa managed to reach a new low for their points tally in a Premiership season; and Sunderland have broken their own record for the lowest total by any Premiership team. Indeed, losing yesterday, despite a spirited performance, leaves them with the lowest number of points gleaned from a top-flight season since three points for a win were introduced, fewer than the 17 points Stoke City mustered in 1984-85.

David O’Leary, the Aston Villa manager, did not attempt to mask his team’s underachievement at home this season but at least he was able to enjoy a satisfying finale as goals from Gareth Barry, who also missed a penalty, and Liam Ridgewell were the least they deserved. As a brief chant of “We want O’Leary out” rang out from the Holte End, the Villa manager completed his charm offensive for the day by joining the players in a lap of appreciation.

“It was good,” he said. “It was lovely to sign so many autographs. Under the circumstances, it was a fantastic reception from the fans. I think the majority [want me to stay].”

Antagonism from home supporters was divided equally between O’Leary and Doug Ellis, the chairman, whose programme notes reviewing the season contained no reference to his manager. Whether O’Leary is still at Villa Park in August remains to be seen, especially as his mantra of making do until the summer, when he hoped fresh funds would become available, has given way to accepting he must sell before he can buy. This has given rise to suspicions that Milan Baros, his Czech Republic forward, will be sold.

Kevin Ball, the Sunderland caretaker, is another manager whose future is up in the air. At least his players, backed by 2,500 supporters in fancy dress, finished strongly, Danny Collins heading in Dean Whitehead’s corner two minutes from time. Villa’s win had effectively been sealed by then, however. Barry gave them the lead with a low shot and Gary Breen brought down Gabriel Agbonlahor 13 minutes from the end, only for Kelvin Davis to parry Barry’s penalty against the crossbar. From James Milner’s ensuing corner, Ridgewell had his header saved before powering in the rebound.