Leeds United 2-1 Sunderland – Match Report

Pascal Struijk scores a late brace as Sunderland fail to hold on against Leeds and their automatic promotion hopes fade.

The Black Cats now sit 4th, 8 points behind Sheffield United in 2nd, after Pascal Struijk scores in the final seconds of the match.

Sunderland started well as Jobe Bellingham forced a decent save from Meslier, who had to get up and block another shot from the oncoming Patrick Roberts in the opening few minutes.

Leeds dominated the ball in the first half, but they could never get past Sunderland’s backline.

Sunderland then took a deserved lead through Wilson Isidor on the half hour mark, who scored an outstanding goal once again.

Dan Ballard played a hopeful ball up to Isidor, who used his strength and balance brilliantly to turn away from Joe Rodon, and his shot deflected off the far post and into the back of the net.

The second-half was just all Leeds United, and it seemed like it was just a matter of time since they would score.

Sunderland just kept giving away needless free-kicks and it was inevitable that they would get at least 1 right.

Pascal Struijk turned out to be the hero after being subbed on with 20 minutes to go, as Leeds were able to capitalise on these set-peices.

The equaliser came after Patrick Roberts gave away a lazy free-kick on the left-hand side of the box, the ball was whipped in by Joe Rothwell, and Struijk had a free header from 6-yards out, as he flicked the ball past Patterson.

Leeds then pushed on for the winner, and they were rewarded in with the last piece of action in the game.

A corner taken by Rothwell again, was cleared, but it found its way back to him who whipped the ball back in, and once again, Struijk had a free header from close range and he couldn’t miss, ultimately giving Leeds all 3 points.

Next up for Sunderland is Hull City at home on Saturday at 12:30, as they look to bounce back from this disappointing defeat.