Leeds United 0-0 Sunderland: Hosts in the top two but frustrated by the Black Cats

Georginio Rutter struggles with Sunderland's Callum Styles as Leeds struggle to shake off stubborn opponents

Leeds United returned to the Championship's automatic promotion places but were left frustrated by Sunderland in a goalless draw.

The hosts are unbeaten at Elland Road this season with 44 goals in 20 home games but have failed to unlock the Wearsiders; Daniel Farke's team acted sluggishly at times and were unable to create their usual wealth of chances.

Sunderland, who had won just one of their last ten games, beat Leeds at the Stadium of Light earlier in the season and were again able to thwart the Whites defensively.

There was a penalty shout in both halves, first when Dan Ballard bent his elbow from the edge of the box towards a shot from Crysencio Summerville.

Sunderland captain Luke O'Nien blocked a cross for the second time but no infringement was recognized by referee Tim Robinson.

management Leicester's defeat to Millwall has brought Leeds fans some joy, but Ipswich can replace them in the automatic places if they pick up a point or more against Watford on Wednesday.

Sunderland's centre-backs posed a formidable barrier for Leeds away from penalties, disrupting the rhythm of their usual fluid and productive forward line.

Northern Ireland international Ballard was a constant thorn in Patrick Bamford's side and earned a yellow card for harsh treatment, while O'Nien headed and kicked numerous balls away from Dan James and Summerville.

Sunderland's best chances fell to Jack Clarke, who twice tested Ilian Meslier after drifting inside, and there were periods towards the end of the first half when they had plenty of possession.

Meslier had to be alert to keep out Patrick Roberts' free-kick, while Ethan Ampadu had to be sharp to keep out a cross from Clarke after Sunderland had broken the line.

Leeds had plenty of possession but struggled to get behind and were reduced to long-range shots.

Georginio Rutter fired a thunderous shot that whistled wide early on, while Summerville's free-kick ripped through the side netting after failing to hook it from the edge of the penalty area.

While Farke was angry enough to ask referee Robinson questions during normal time, Leeds at least picked up a point on a night where they lacked their usual sparkle.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke told ` Radio Leeds:

“We didn’t create enough clear-cut chances, which is disappointing, and the only disappointing thing is because it was the only reason we didn’t win this game.”

“After only finishing with a draw, the general feeling is frustrating because we had the chance to take a big step in the table and also in our points tally.”

“I'm happy with several things in this game, compared to Coventry we were back in control and completely dominant and had really good defensive play.”

“We didn’t lose our nerve, applied a lot of pressure and created a lot of set-piece situations. We were unlucky with several decisions. In the first half there should have been a penalty, in the second half it was a clear handball. “It was also a clear handball and should have been a penalty.”

Sunderland interim boss Mike Dodds told ` Radio Newcastle:

“As far as possession goes, I thought we were really good at that. Obviously we played against them at the start of the year and then wiped them out. They had a shot on goal, which is a performance built on the Premier League talent they have at the top.” the pitch.

“Our possession wasn't good enough, we need to be better at handling the ball and we could have made the evening a lot more pleasant for ourselves.”

“That’s four times without conceding a goal in five games. If we can improve in possession, we can compete with anyone in the league.”

Lineups

Leeds

formation 4-2-3-1

1Meslier

22Gray14round4Ampadu3Firpo

44Gruev8thCamara

20James24Rutter10Summerville

9Bamford

• 1Meslier
• 22GrayReplaced byRobertsat 83'protocol
• 14round
• 4Ampadu
• 3FirpoBooked for 70 minutes
• 44Gruev
• 8thCamaraBooked for 69 minutesReplaced byGnontoat 72'protocol
• 20JamesReplaced byPiroeat 82'protocol
• 24Rutter
• 10Summerville
• 9BamfordReplaced byJosephat 82'protocol

Substitute

• 5Cresswell
• 6cooper
• 7Piroe
• 12Anthony
• 25Byram
• 28Darlow
• 29Gnonto
• 33Roberts
• 49Joseph

Sunderland

formation 3-4-3

1Patterson

32Hume5Ballard13O'Nien

6Pembele39Ekah24Neil28styles

31Rigg7Bellingham20Clarke

• 1Patterson
• 32Hume
• 5BallardBooked at 21 minutes
• 13O'NienBooked for 46 minutes
• 6PembeleReplaced bychosenat 69'protocol
• 39Ekah
• 24Neil
• 28styles
• 31RiggBooked for 57 minutesReplaced byRobertsat 59'protocol
• 7BellinghamBooked for 62 minutesReplaced bySilva Semedoat 90+4'protocol
• 20Clarke

Substitute

• 9Silva Semedo
• 10Roberts
• 14Mundle
• 17Ba
• 22Aouchiche
• 30bishop
• 33Pour
• 42chosen
• 46Dack

Referee: Tim Robinson

Number of visitors: 36,793

Live text

1. The game ends: Leeds United 0, Sunderland 0.

2. The second half ends, Leeds United 0, Sunderland 0.

3. Substitution Sunderland. Luís Semedo replaces Jobe Bellingham.

4. Corner, Leeds United. Goal conceded by Luke O'Nien.

5. Attempt failed. Joe Rodon (Leeds United)'s header from the center of the penalty area is too high. Assisted by Connor Roberts with a cross from a corner.

6. Corner, Leeds United. Goal conceded by Luke O'Nien.

7. Attempt blocked. Wilfried Gnonto (Leeds United)'s left-footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Supported by Ethan Ampadu.

8. Foul by Ethan Ampadu (Leeds United).

9. Ajibola Alese (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

10. Corner, Leeds United. Indebted to Pierre Ekwah.

11. Georginio Rutter (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the opponent's half.

12. Foul by Pierre Ekwah (Sunderland).

13. Substitution Leeds United. Connor Roberts replaces Archie Gray.

14. Substitution Leeds United. Mateo Joseph replaces Patrick Bamford.

15. Substitution Leeds United. Joël Piroe replaces Daniel James.

16. Ilia Gruev (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

17. Foul by Callum Styles (Sunderland).

18. Foul by Wilfried Gnonto (Leeds United).

19. Callum Styles (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing.

20. Attempt failed. Trai Hume (Sunderland)'s right-footed shot from the right distance is too high. Assisted by Dan Ballard.