Aston Villa fell into the relegation zone in the English Premier League for the first time since 2003 then lost to visiting Sunderland 1-0 on Wednesday.
Wolverhampton's stunning 1-0 over Chelsea dropped Villa among the bottom three in the standings on goal difference.
Admitting to being ''hurt'' at being booed off the pitch by home fans, Villa manager Gerard Houllier said he retained the support of club owner Randy Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner.
''I spoke to Paul Faulkner and he was very supportive,'' Houllier told the British Press Association. ''I don't doubt Randy Lerner's firm support and determination. We are in this together for better or worse.''
Sunderland's second road win of the season kept it in sixth place, 11 points behind leader Manchester United.
Villa's miserable night at home began with Emile Heskey's red card for shoving Jordan Henderson in the face in the 69th minute. Henderson had been disturbed that Heskey didn't put the ball out so Asamoah Gyan could receive medical attention.
With 10 minutes to go, Sunderland substitute Boudewijn Zenden's free kick was blocked but Phil Bardsley drove in the ball from 25 meters out.
Zenden was sent off late for a second yellow card, for a foul on Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov.
The victory cost Sunderland more injuries: Midfielder David Meyler suffered cruciate knee ligament damage and will be out of action for at least six months, and on-loan Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck suffered a hamstring injury.
''It was a tremendous victory but I think we have now got 10 players missing and we may have to bring one or two bodies in during January,'' manager Steve Bruce told PA.
