Aston Villa saw off a late Sunderland comeback to take all three points at Villa Park on Sunday

Unai Emery admitted Aston Villa 'lost their minds' before snatching a crucial three points against Sunderland on Sunday.

The hosts looked in complete control with a 3-1 lead heading into the final five minutes at Villa Park, but the Black Cats drew level through Trai Hume and Wilson Isidor. Habib Diarra then missed a golden chance to score as he ran through on goal, with substitute Tammy Abraham scoring the winner later.

Emery said he was pleased with the performance of his team overall even if they lost their focus in the spell that almost cost them.

"We started well," Emery said.

"The first half was good, not enough but good and the second half we started playing with confidence, dominating. We conceded a few offensive actions but not really chances.

“We were feeling comfortable. Of course, it was a crazy minute. We lost a little bit of focus, mind and positioning and they used it to score two goals and even have a chance after to score. We needed the goalkeeper. He saved the last one and the last minute it was clear we needed to win, one point was not enough.

“It was a so-crazy last 20 minutes. Afterwards we can feel good, calm and speaking about a great victory but the minute we were on the field struggling with the goal and chances, it was very difficult.

"The Premier League is very difficult and to beat Sunderland, they had the opportunity today and still are in the run for Europe. We started this match with many objectives, one of them was to keep fourth, get an advantage on other teams and leave Sunderland further behind us.

“We did it. I am so happy with how we played but I am going to analyse deeply why we lost our minds in a few minutes.”

Emery also defended substitute Jadon Sancho, who lost the ball for Sunderland's second and third goal.

"It is not his mistake," Emery said.

"The mistake is how we did this action. If we did more passes, we could have avoided it.

“The idea in 90 minutes was through good positioning and keeping possession, trying to be patient. When we conceded one goal, we decided to go quickly. I am never punishing it.

“We are going to analyse and find solutions for mistakes. I am always taking responsibility for the mistakes, not the players."

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Tammy Abraham delivers verdict on Sunderland win and winning goal

Matchwinner Tammy Abraham said that Aston Villa had switched off in the latter stages, and said he was inspired by watching a brilliant performance from Ollie Watkins before entering the fray.

"I think we got too relaxed and made a few mistakes and Sunderland punished us," Abraham said.

"They are a good team. As a striker, watching Ollie [Watkins] today, he was staying alive in the box and when I came on I told myself to do the same thing. Luckily for me, I was in the right place at the right time.

"We are a team that believes in ourselves. We are doing so well this season, we just have to carry on with the confidence."

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