Report: Sunderland 0– Leeds United
Tuesday night’s goalless draw between Leeds United and Sunderland at Elland Road resulted in a point each for the two sides in the Sky Bet Championship.
As soon as the game started, both teams made attempts on goal, but none of them really worried the goalie on either end.
Jack Clarke, making his comeback, was first to the field but was unable to score with a header at full stretch. Georginio Rutter struck one from long range shortly after, but it missed the target.
The majority of the match was controlled by Daniel Farke’s team, who also had possession advantages. They witnessed a number of desperate Sunderland challenges, which led to set-play possibilities, come in while near the box.
Top scorer Crysencio Summerville did provide one opening through open play. He cut inside after breaking free down the left, but his shot was diverted just beyond the post.
With 10 minutes to go until the break, the first ‘keeper tested was Illan Meslier. The danger again came from the lively Clarke down the left, he cut in and shot, only to see United’s number one turn the effort away.
The opening 45 minutes was brought to a close with Farke’s side having seen much of the play, but the score remained level.
HALF TIME: Leeds United 0-0 Sunderland
No changes came from either side during the break, as they returned from their respective dressing rooms to battle once again in the second 45 minutes.
The Whites started well after the restart and again were on top. Plenty of attacking intent saw an opening created for Georginio who had his shot deflected wide once more. From the corner, the ball fell to Dan James on the edge, who then struck narrowly wide.
On the counter attack, Clarke continued to try and cause issues for the United defence. He broke free in space and as he looked to cut the ball back to a teammate in the box for a tap in, a superb diving challenge from Ethan Ampadu cleared the danger.
Leeds then came close, from another set-play. James was brought down just outside the box and Summerville stepped up to take the free-kick, which struck the side netting, flying inches wide of the top corner.
Farke went to his bench looking to bring on fresh momentum and find a way through. Willy Gnonto, Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph and Connor Roberts were all introduced.
The game continued to bring plenty of set-piece opportunities after Sunderland clearances and from one of them, the Whites had strong appeals for a penalty turned away, from what appeared to be a handball.
One final shot came in added time, as Gnonto struck a powerful left-footed effort which was again deflected behind, before the resulting corner scrambled away.
The full time whistle sounded and confirmed a point apiece. Leeds are next in action on Saturday at home to Blackburn Rovers.
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