Sunderland 1 Leeds United 0 – throwing the kitchen sink. After Leeds showed they could match title contenders Manchester City at the weekend, this was a team that looked tired and bereft of ideas. Against a poor Sunderland side, Leeds started sluggishly and ended by throwing the kitchen sink at the game.
Sunderland FC started without their talisman, Granit Xhaka, and their first-choice goalkeeper, so there were clear reasons to press them. Despite some high pressing in the first half, the goalkeeper was not seriously tested.
After the frenetic start to the home game against Manchester City just three days ago, this one was dull in comparison. After half an hour of passing sideways, even the fans began to complain when Struijk and Rodon passed back to Darlow. Leeds could not break through the Sunderland midfield, and a lack of concentration briefly crept in with Ampadu hoofing the ball to nowhere, and Sunderland taking advantage with a rare attack.
Leeds ended the first half with over two thirds possession – so what did they have to show for that? No shots on goal when in play, little service to Calvert Lewin, and an overly defensive approach to build up.
Credit to Sunderland who were well organised at the back, and pressed Leeds high with Struijk and Ampadu having no where to go.
Leeds only shot on target was from Stach with a free kick. The only other chance came from an expertly won ball from a high press by Stach, but Bogle fluffed his shot. Leeds should have had a penalty when Struijk was hauled down in one corner, which came to nothing.
Credit to Gudmundsson whose darting runs on the left were the one shining light of a dull first half. Longstaff provided the only light relief in the first half by stealing the Leeds towel before the Sunderland player could use it.
It was a hugely imperfect second half for Leeds. A pin point Stach free kick found Rodon heading into the net, but was ruled offside. My first thought was this game was now going to turn against us. And so it did with a silly hand ball by Ampadu that gave Sunderland a penalty and the lead. That had been their first shot on goal. With Xhaka now on the pitch Sunderland had their leader who kept their defence tight.
Leeds threw the kitchen sink at the Sunderland goal, bringing on more attacking players. Despite relentless crosses and twelve minutes of extra there was little in the way of quality to break down the Sunderland defence
From a tactical view, this was a poor match for Leeds, a low point in the season. The players looked tired and out of ideas. Calvert-Lewin always seemed to be a yard away from the ball. Aaronsson played too deep to be a forward. Bogle was low par. It was not until Gnonto and James came on that Leeds looked threatening; both made a case to start the next league match.
Man of the Gudmundsson whose runs were the one spark of creativity in the first 70 minutes.
