Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood stays grounded despite win at Sunderland

Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood insists his side will remain grounded despite thrashing fellow strugglers Sunderland to secure a third successive victory.

Gabriel Agbonlahor and Christian Benteke both scored twice in a 4-0 demolition at the Stadium of Light that lifted Villa above their opponents in the Premier League and three points clear of the drop zone.

Sherwood believes his side are improving and starting to enjoy their football but said: “There’s a long way to go yet.

“We’ve got wins underneath us and this is a great step. They’ve had a period of pain but the boys are taking on board what I’m asking them to do.

“It was a good day. We’re getting the ball back quickly when we lose it and they’re fit. We worked all week on a quick counter-attack and it proved to be the difference.

“And I’m delighted to get four goals because these strikers have come in for some criticism this season but if you create the chances for them they’ll score and they did that today.

“I thought my midfield players Tom Cleverley and Fabian Delph controlled the game. We had it won at half-time so it was important we didn’t give it away.

“I know it sounds stupid but it’s not easy to play when you’re 4-0 up – it’s easier when you’re 4-0 down. But we’re not crying about anything, we are getting on with it.”