A trademark own goal by Richard Dunne after 25 minutes gave Sunderland their second Premier League win.

The 31-year-old defender turned a low cross by Steed Malbranque into his own net to take his tally to eight own goals in the elite competition.

Elmohamady, who joined Sunderland from ENPPI on a season-long loan, limped off the pitch in stoppage time, making way for Dutch midfielder Boudewijn Zenden.

Sunderland, who were held to a goalless draw by a 10-man Blackburn side in their previous game, moved into sixth spot in the league table with 12 points from nine games.

Elmohamady wrecked havoc down the right flank in the first half, with his trademark surging runs causing constant troubles for the visitors.

He almost dished out his first Premier League assist on 27 minutes when he ran onto a Malbranque pass and pulled the ball back to Danny Welbeck inside the area.

However, the 19-year-old, who is on loan from Manchester Untied, couldn't beat Aston Villa keeper Brad Friedel after the veteran American blocked his shot.

Elmohamady, who is set to sign a permanent deal with the Black Cats in January, also came close to opening his Sunderland account three minutes before the break.

He drilled a right-foot shot from the edge of the area that narrowly missed the target.

Sunderland eased off in the second period, allowing Aston Villa to pour forward and waste come clear-cut chances.

Elmohamady had a relatively quiet half. His only effort on goal came two minutes past the hour mark when he ballooned his shot high over from just outside the area.