Video: Eric Black sees red after Villa loss

The already-relegated claret and blues were 2-1 up and looking good to record just their fourth league win of the season when Cissokho was dismissed 16 minutes from time, for bringing down Ikechi Anya.

Despite withstanding Watford's pressure with few alarms, Villa were dealt the cruellest of blows.

Troy Deeney netted a 90th minute equaliser for the hosts, before the former Saddlers ace drilled home the winner deep into stoppage time.

The loss saw Villa equal their club record of 11 straight defeats, set during the 1962-63 campaign, yet Black thought defeat was harsh on his team.

He said: "The sending off, I think, changes the whole context of the game. I've not seen it back, so can't comment on it.

"I think Aly makes contact with the ball but in doing that I think his momentum takes his leg up and I can why the referee has interpreted it the way he did.

"It's harsh in some regards. I thoughts the effort of the players today was outstanding. We changed the shape a little bit, we only had a couple of days to work on it. They stuck to it, they worked tirelessly."

Ciaran Clark nodded Villa ahead and though Almen Abdi equalised in first-half stoppage time, Jordan Ayew scored a sublime goal to restore the visitors lead early in the second-half.

Deeney, a Birmingham City fan, celebrated both of his late strikes in front of the visiting supporters. Black admitted frustration in being unable to give those fans something to celebrate.

He said: "That's what we've spoken about with the players. It's a fantastic football club with fantastic supporters and everything that surrounds it.

"If we can get one little step, as small step as it is, getting the supporters on side. Today they deserve credit the players.

"They've been criticised and justifiably. Today not. They deserved to win the game."