Keane hails Chopra

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Chopra, signed in the summer from Cardiff for £5million, had been left out of the 16 for last weekend's home clash with Chelsea, but he responded in the right way by coming off the substitutes' bench to grab an 83rd-minute goal and earn the Black Cats their first away success of the campaign.

Keane said: "Michael would have been disappointed to be left out last week but he has got his head down and he got his opportunity."

He added: "Before every game you ask which player is likely to get you a goal and Michael is up there with three or four players.

"If we create chances, Michael will score but we don't create that many. In defence of him, I have played him out of position on quite a few occasions. Maybe criticism of him is a bit unfair but myself and the staff are delighted with him."

Villa manager Martin O'Neill took responsibility for his side's below-par performance which has realistically ended their chances of qualifying for the UEFA Cup.

They have taken only two points from the last 12 and now an Intertoto Cup place seems their most realistic aim.

He said: "This was about winning what was a big game for both clubs and we were disappointing.

"We failed to take any chances that came our way but you can't just point the finger at that. Our overall play was disappointing and it is my responsibility.

"We did so well at Arsenal a fortnight ago when we came within a few seconds of winning but since then we have been really disappointing."