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

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

Sunderland, who had only won one of their last 10 matches, beat Leeds earlier in the season at the Stadium of Light and were again able to stymie the Whites defensively.

There was a penalty shout in either half, first when Dan Ballard leaned his elbow toward Crysencio Summerville’s effort from the edge of the box.

Sunderland skipper Luke O’Nien handled a cross for the second, but neither infringement was picked up by referee Tim Robinson.

Leaders Leicester’s defeat by Millwall gave Leeds fans some cheer, but Ipswich can replace them in the automatic spots if they pick up a point or more against Watford on Wednesday.

Sunderland’s centre-half pairing, away from the penalty shouts, were a formidable barrier to Leeds, and disrupted the rhythm of their usual fluid and prolific forward line.

Northern Ireland international Ballard was a constant thorn in Patrick Bamford’s side, earning himself a booking for the robust treatment dished out, while O’Nien swept away a host of deliveries from Dan James and Summerville with his head and feet.

Jack Clarke had the best of the chances for Sunderland, twice testing Ilian Meslier after drifting inside, and they did have spells toward the end of the first half where they had ample possession.

Meslier had to be alert to beat away Patrick Roberts’ free-kick, while Ethan Ampadu had to be sharp to cut out a Clarke cross after Sunderland broke through the lines.

Leeds had plenty of ball but struggled to get in behind, and were reduced to pot-shots from distance.

Georginio Rutter hit a thunderous effort which whistled wide early on, while Summerville’s free-kick rippled the side netting after he failed to hook it in from the edge of the box.

While Farke was angry enough to pose questions to referee Robinson at full-time, Leeds did at least collect a point on a night where they lacked their usual sparkle.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke told BBC Radio Leeds:

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

“After just being there with a draw, the overall feeling is frustrated, because we had the chance to make a major step in the table and also with our points tally.

“I’m pleased with several things in this game, in comparison with Coventry, we were back to control and dominating completely and we had really good defensive behaviour.

“We didn’t lose our nerves, put lots of pressure on them, created a lot of set-pieces. We were unfortunate with several decisions. It was a clear handball in the first half should have been the penalty and the second half it was also a clear handball and should have been a penalty.”

Sunderland interim boss Mike Dodds told BBC Radio Newcastle:

“The out of possession stuff I thought we were really good with, we obviously played them earlier in the year and nullified them then, they had one shot on target which is an achievement based on the Premier League talent they have at the top end of the pitch.

“Our in possession stuff wasn’t good enough, we need to be better with the ball and we’d have made it a much more comfortable evening for ourselves.

“That’s four clean sheets in five now. If we can improve in-possession, we are a match for anyone in the league.”