Leeds United maintained their unbeaten run at Sunderland on Sunday afternoon and possibly could have beaten Regis Le Bris’ side, but ultimately accepted a point after drawing 1-1.
Leeds came into the game four matches unbeaten, having beaten Crystal Palace and Chelsea while also drawing against Liverpool and Brentford. On Sunday, Leeds went to Wearside to take on Sunderland.
Agree or disagree – Joe Rodon is the last player Leeds United could afford to lose to injury 🤕
The centre back limped off midway through the first half against Sunderland
Two newly-promoted sides are doing battle after proving to be rivals last term. Despite possibly shading the first half, Leeds went into the break 1-0 down. Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored again in the second half.
Bad news for Leeds, though, is that Joe Rodon went off in the first half after suffering two nasty-looking blows to his right ankle. Below are LeedsUnited.News player ratings from Leeds’ last outing of the year.
Leeds United player ratings v Sunderland
Lucas Perri – 5
Harsh, but Perri could quite easily have conceded a penalty, having looked sluggish to come off his line before confronting Bryan Brobbey. Felt a bit stuck in the mud when trying to stop Simon Adingra’s goal.
Jayden Bogle – 6
Bogle looked good in attack aside from a couple of touches, but the right-back should shoulder some blame for Sunderland’s goal, with the defender allowing Adingra too much space before he curled home.
Joe Rodon – 5 (replaced by Tanaka, 31′)
It would always take a lot for Joe Rodon to be forced off, and today, it took two knocks moments apart on the same ankle. The second, from Simon Adingra, finally caused Rodon to go off. They looked nasty.
Jaka Bijol – 7
Very solid once again from Bijol and perhaps unlucky not to do better from a corner in the first half. Kept the ball well and was dominant in the air. Fabulous defending in the second half in a moment of danger.
Pascal Struijk – 6
Like Bijol, had to adapt with Rodon going off, and he did. Key player in obliterating Sunderland’s press during the early stages of Leeds’ brilliant move to equalise. Struijk has been consistent this season.
Gabi Gudmundsson – 7
Gudmundsson’s sprints during 90 minutes must be off the scale. The Swedish defender was up and down once again, no signs of any Christmas hangover. One of many who deserved to be on the winning side.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
Solid from Ampadu as always, and it was important he was, when his Wales teammate Rodon went off. The skipper kept possession ticking over and did what was required in preventing Sunderland’s counter.
Anton Stach – 7
Stach’s form is improving, and this was another example of it. The Germany star was excellent, crucial in the goal and his pre-assist, but his delivery into the box. Deserved a goal or an assist for his performance.
Brenden Aaronson – 9
Aaronson got a standing ovation against Crystal Palace last time out, and today he was Leeds’ best player. Another stunning performance from the American, who got an inch-perfect assist for Calvert-Lewin.
Noah Okafor – 7 (replaced by Nmecha, 73′)
A threat throughout, with the Swiss star’s pace a constant thorn in Sunderland’s side. Indeed, Okafor was another who deserved a goal, especially having played up front before being moved to the left flank.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 8 (replaced by Gnonto, 86′)
The first Leeds player to score in six consecutive Premier League matches. Quite the achievement for Calvert-Lewin, who once again scored from close range – his seventh goal in his last six. Otherwise, quiet.
Who was your MOTM for Leeds against Sunderland? 🤔
Some excellent performances again.
Subs:
Ao Tanaka – 6 (replaced Rodon ’31)
Made a few things happen and showed some nice touches as always, but it is quite clear that Tanaka is still working out his role in this 3-5-2 system. Stach was easily the better player in the 4-3-3 switch.
Lukas Nmecha – 5 (replaced Okafor 73′)
Didn’t do much after coming on, initially combining with Calvert-Lewin before going up top by himself with Calvert-Lewin taken off in the last 10 minutes.
Willy Gnonto – N/A (replaced Calvert-Lewin 86′)
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