Aston Villa have opened up a commanding 4-0 lead over Sunderland at half time in their Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.

Ricardo Alvarez and Patrick van Aanholt both tried to make the most of some early pressure for the hosts as the latter fired wide after a quick burst forward from the winger.

However, it was Villa who took the lead when Leandro Bacuna charged down the right and crossed it in for Christian Benteke, who saw his finish deflected past Costel Pantilimon.

The visitors needed just two minutes to add a second as Gabriel Agbonlahor controlled a high ball forward before calmly placing it past the Sunderland keeper.

Home supporters started leaving before the break as Agbonlahor weaved his way through the Sunderland defenders to fire a third in for the visitors.

Things got worse before the break as Benteke joined Agbonlahor on a brace, making the most of some sloppy defending to nod the ball in to round off a dismal first half for the hosts.