Leeds United maintained their unbeaten run going into 2026 with a point at Sunderland on Sunday, thanks to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s second-half strike.
Leeds had gone into the break 1-0 down, after Simon Adingra scored his first goal for Sunderland with a superb finish from a tight angle. The winger curled the ball around goalkeeper Lucas Perri to score.
Who was your MOTM for Leeds against Sunderland? 🤔
Some excellent performances again.
Leeds, however, might feel they had done enough to win the game. Certainly, it was Leeds pushing in the second half. A gorgeous team goal saw Brenden Aaronson find Calvert-Lewin to net, equalising for Leeds.
A seventh goal in six Premier League games, Calvert-Lewin became the first-ever Leeds player to score in six consecutive Premier League matches. But Leeds could not go on to win the game, as it all ended 1-1.
Rich Williams says what Joe Rodon was doing on Leeds bench
Towards the end of the game, Joe Rodon found himself in unfamiliar territory – on the Leeds bench. The Wales defender had been taken off in the first half after suffering two nasty-looking blows to his ankle.
It was Rodon’s 104th start for Leeds in a row in the league, closing in on Norman Hunter’s record of 113. But, Rodon’s chances of breaking that are now in danger, after he was subbed off having been in pain.
However, LUTV presenter Rich Williams said on The Verdict: “That’s a concern isn’t it for a player that is so integral to everything good Leeds United have done. We hope it isn’t a serious one,” Williams declared.
“He was on the bench there are the end, having a smile and a joke with Dominic Calvert-Lewin when he came off. Hopefully it’s not too bad,” the presenter added, alongside Stuart Dallas and Dom Matteo.
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
What Daniel Farke said in his post-match press conference
While Williams might be optimistic, Farke was perhaps more realistic. It is a rarity that Rodon doesn’t play and the fact he was forced to come off means the injury is clearly a bad one. Rodon is not one for caution.
Asked about Rodon’s knock in his post-match press conference, Farke said that it was a “bad” one and that Rodon’s ankle is suffering from some swelling. He doubts his availability for Liverpool next week.
Not good. He has a hit on his ankle pretty swollen. Doubt he’ll be available for Liverpool,” Farke said. Adam Pope reports that Farke thinks he could even miss games against Man United and Newcastle.
A bitter blow if that is the case, with Rodon easily Leeds’ most-consistent and most-reliable performer this season. The Leeds physio team must do everything that is humanly possible to get Rodon fit again.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
