The Black Cats continued to search for an opener, with Martínez catching Omar Alderete's header from a long throw by Nordi Mukiele. Villa finally managed a shot on goal in the 27th minute, but Guessand fired straight at Robin Roefs.
Sunderland suffered a setback when Reinildo Mandava was sent off for kicking out at Matty Cash after being fouled by the Villa right-back. The hosts responded by changing their formation to a back five, and they made it to halftime without any further damage, with Emiliano Buendía blasting his shot over the crossbar after Roefs' shaky punch.
Villa showed intent after the restart, but John McGinn's speculative shot went harmlessly over. Sunderland's aerial threat caused problems, with Alderete's looping header hitting the crossbar.
Unai Emery made a double change shortly before the hour mark and Harvey Elliott saw a shot blocked. Sunderland's wait for their first Premier League goal of the season finally came to an end when Roefs made a mistake dealing with Cash's speculative strike from range.
Their lead lasted just nine minutes, as Granit Xhaka nodded the ball towards Isidor for the striker to clinically finish. Elliott sent a first-time shot marginally wide and Ollie Watkins failed to connect with his attempted header, as Sunderland fought to retain their unbeaten Premier League record at home
