Sunderland and Leeds United played out a goalless draw at a windswept Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon.
Heading into the match rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, Sunderland had the better of the chances, with 15 shots to Leeds’ 11 to the sum of 0.91-0.57 in the xG stakes.
However, the two defences undoubtedly came out on top, while the conditions made it difficult for either side to get into a rhythm.
Leeds defence holds firm again
Sunderland have competed well in pretty much every game they’ve played this season, so seeing them bottom of the table feels like an anomaly. Daniel Farke will have been keenly aware of the Black Cats’ quality heading into the match, and his side responded with another resilient defensive performance.
Farke has turned his Leeds outfit into one of the hardest to beat in the Premier League since last winter, and the Whites have started this season with just six goals conceded and one defeat from eight games.
Leeds showcased why they’re so difficult to breach at the Stadium of Light, making 15 tackles, 10 interceptions, seven blocks and 37 clearances. Jaka Bijol was the defensive anchor, posting match highs for blocks (3) and clearances (8), while he also made two tackles, two interceptions and four recoveries — winning five of his seven duels for good measure.
Even so, Bijol’s efforts were supplemented by the likes of James Justin and Tarik Muharemovic around him, and when they failed, goalkeeper James Trafford was on hand to make four saves — preventing 0.81 goals — 12 recoveries and three high claims.
Yes, the wind stifled the momentum of both sides. But Leeds’ rugged and tireless defensive effort ensured there would be no climb out of the bottom three for Sunderland.
More European fatigue for Sunderland despite Angulo spark
Qualifying for European football has been a dream for Sunderland. However, as is often the case, Europa League football has come at a cost.
This is the third time the Black Cats have run the Thursday-Sunday gauntlet now, and they’re yet to win any of those matches.
The 5-3 defeat at Manchester City was their most energetic effort, but in the two post-European matches since — this, and the 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth — Regis Le Bris’ men have failed to score and managed just four shots on target combined.
There were some signs of life, of course. Most prominently, Nilson Angulo followed up his impressive assist performance in Poznan with a lively showing here. The Ecuador international attempted a joint match-high three shots and was also the joint leader for successful take-ons, completing four of the seven he tried.
The return of Brian Brobbey also added a little chaos to proceedings, with the Dutchman keeping the Leeds defenders occupied and ensuring their clean sheet would come at the cost of a few bruises.
But all told, Sunderland too often lacked pace or urgency at key moments when they seemed to be taking control of the game.
Nobody will be panicking about Sunderland being bottom of the table at this early stage, but Le Bris needs to work out how to better energise his side before concern turns into crisis.