Academy of Light product Chris Rigg racked up his first Premier League goal for Sunderland in Sunday’s dramatic defeat at Aston Villa.
There was a landmark moment for Sunderland academy product Chris Rigg as he racked up his first Premier League goal in Sunday’s dramatic defeat at Aston Villa.
The Black Cats made the worst possible start to the game as England striker Ollie Watkins fired the hosts in front with just two minutes on the clock - but Rigg got Sunderland back on level-terms just seven minutes later with a sublime effort as he expertly curled a shot beyond the desperate grasp of Villa keeper Emi Martinez.
Watkins’ second of the day and a Morgan Rogers effort put Villa back in control of the contest before Sunderland rallied in the closing stages and their reward appeared to have come with a point as Wilson Isidor and Trai Hume netted inside the final ten minutes. However, there was a devastating late blow for Regis Le Bris’ side as former Chelsea and Roma striker Tammy Abraham flicked home a cross from the left to give all three points to the hosts after thrilling affair in the Midlands.
Rigg was replaced by Chemsdine Talbi just before the midway point of the second-half as part of a triple change as Le Bris instigated a major improvement out of his side after they were punished for making a slow start to the second-half. The Academy of Light product looked understandably disappointed as he took his place on the bench - but he received a glowing assessment from former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie as he praised the youngster for his goal and insisted there was a lot more to come from Rigg throughout a career that has already offered so much promise.
Speaking as part of Sky Sports’ commentary team, he said: “It was a super goal, outstanding. You felt that he was one of the stand-out players in that first-half. He’s disappointed obviously with the second-half, it’s completely changed the complex. But I think we are going to see a lot more of that young man.”
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