Sunderland's winless run in the Premier League stretched to six games after a goalless draw with Leeds United at the Stadium of Light. The point does little to lift them from the bottom of the table, while Leeds moved into seventh place.
Strong and unpredictable winds from Storm Boelo made fluid football difficult throughout the Sunday afternoon fixture. Both goalkeepers were called into action to preserve the clean sheet, with Sunderland's Robin Roefs and Leeds' James Trafford making key saves.
Key moments
Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey, returning from a hamstring issue, forced an early save from Trafford with a deflected effort. He then pressured defender Jaka Bijol into a short back pass, but Trafford was quick off his line to smother the danger. At the other end, Leeds' Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who passed a late fitness test on a bruised foot, saw a penalty appeal waved away after going down in the area. A subsequent VAR review cleared Roefs of a handball offence.
Sean Longstaff, introduced from the Leeds bench, was twice denied in the closing stages. Roefs made a superb one-handed save to tip his low 20-yard shot around the post, and a later effort from the midfielder was blocked on the line. Sunderland defender Luke O'Nien also made a vital last-ditch tackle to stop Calvert-Lewin and required treatment after an accidental collision. In the final minute of normal time, Sunderland's best chance to win it fell to substitute Nazariy Rusyn, but his close-range header from a corner was directed straight at Trafford.
Manager reactions
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris cut a frustrated figure at full time but described the point as a positive one. "By the final whistle, even Sunderland’s ultra balanced manager was looking more than a little fed up and frustrated," he said, while praising his team's intensity.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke viewed the away point as a decent result.
Defender Luke O'Nien highlighted the impact of the conditions. He said the wind played a big part and credited both defences and attacks for keeping the score 0-0.
The draw leaves Sunderland with a significant task to climb the standings, while Leeds consolidate their position in the top half. Sunderland's next fixture is a trip to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Leeds United host West Ham United at Elland Road on Sunday.
Read the full report at theguardian.com
