Aston Villa’s Christmas crackers

Charles Gil vs Sunderland (January 2)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3s0NeBoMt0

Aston Villa fans didn’t have much to get excited about at the start of 2016, but Charles Gil’s sensational volley against Sunderland was something worth celebrating.

Remi Garde’s side were a goal down to their relegation rivals, but 18 minutes into the second half Gil got them back on level terms in brilliant fashion.

Adama Traore burst down the right-hand-side, before sending a teasing ball into the Sunderland box. It looked like it had too much on it for the arriving Gil, but he somehow got his left foot to the ball and guided a stunning volley past the helpless Vito Mannone.

Villa did go on to lose the game 3-1, but it was a rare moment of quality in a horrific season for the Midlands club.