After losing to Manchester City at Elland Road on Saturday night, it was vital that Leeds United get back to winning ways against Sunderland on Tuesday evening.
However, Daniel Farke’s men were unable to secure three points in Yorkshire, as Regis Le Bris’ side secured a 1-0 victory thanks to Habib Diarra’s penalty.
Referee Stuart Atwell initially did not award a kick, but after a VAR check, he saw that Ethan Ampadu had handled the ball after a fight with Granit Xhaka.
The Whites pushed for a late goal on home soil, but unfortunately, it was to no avail, as Farke’s side suffered their second home defeat in as many games.
It was certainly a night to forget for many of the players who started together, and the manager may have some big calls to make ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Norwich City.
Leeds played badly against Sunderland last night
For the third game in a row in all competitions, midfielder Ilia Gruev was given a start in the heart of the Leeds midfield, but it was a decision that came back to bite Farke.
The Bulgarian played 62 minutes before being substituted, after losing 100% of his ground duels and failing to finish one game.
He was also unable to play the ball, after which he failed to register the attackers in front of him, and to score two points in the final third.
Gruev was not alone in the ride down at Elland Road, with questions starting to be asked of Karl Darlow after his latest mistake between the sticks.
The Welshman had only one shot to face in Yorkshire, with Diarra hitting the only shot the visitors managed to register during their victory.
However, the 35-year-old player dived in the right way but could not move his body back after the strike that ended up in the net.
The Leeds star was worse than Darlow v Sunderland
Farke’s side dominated the encounter at Elland Road on Tuesday, registering 18 shots on goal for the opposition – but unfortunately their efforts were in vain.
His players could register just four of their efforts on target, with opposition goalkeeper Melker Ellborg equalizing all strikes – to keep a clean sheet on his English debut.
Striker Brenden Aaronson was again given a chance to start in the final third for Farke’s side, but the American international was unable to capitalize on the opportunity pushed towards him.
The 25-year-old worked alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the other end of the pitch, but was unable to produce the possessions needed to secure the three points.
His basic figures against Sunderland highlight his struggles, with Aaronson falling even further than he had expected in recent months.
|
Brenden Aaronson – stats against Sunderland |
|
|---|---|
|
Mathematics |
Mathematics |
|
Minutes played |
74 |
|
To touch |
40 |
|
Pass accuracy |
65% |
|
The property is lost |
16x |
|
Dribbles are finished |
0 |
|
The crosses are finished |
0 |
|
Duels won |
50% |
|
Opportunities are created |
0 |
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