Leeds United, one of the promotion favourites this season, travelled to Stadium of Light this evening to encounter Sunderland who got relegated to Championship following a dismal Premier League campaign. Simon Grayson was hoping to snatch a victory at home in order to stake an early claim for a promotion. The game, however, proved to be the other way round as the Peacocks outplayed the Black Cats and snatched a 2-0 away win at the Stadium of Light.
Below are the Sunderland players rated from the fixture.
Jason Steele: 6
Saved a few decent efforts but conceded twice. The former Blackburn Rovers custodian must work on his distribution.
Billy Jones: 5.5
Kept on making forward runs to help the attack. Missed a golden opportunity in the closing minutes to pull one back. Should have concentrated more on his defensive duties.
Tyias Browning: 6.5
The Everton loanee had a decent outing despite the unforeseen defeat. He made a few crucial tackles, blocks, interceptions, and clearances, also impressed with his aerial presence.
Lamine Kone: 6.5
Kone, too, was not that bad either. Kept on making no-nonsense clearances, tackles, and blocks.
Brendon Galloway: 5
The Everton loanee looked vulnerable, was dispossessed dangerously and left exposed defensively. Was taken off minutes into the second half and was replaced by Adam Matthews.
George Honeyman: 6
The young wingman started the game brightly with his pace, dribbling, and crossing skills. But he faded off slowly and was dispossessed a couple of times by his opponents.
Ibrahim Didier Ndong: 6.5
Worked hard in the midfield. Was excellent at tackling and interceptions. Should have contributed more from the attacking perspective.
Lee Cattermole: 5.5
Screened his defence but could not prevent Leeds’ counter attacking movements on most occasions. Was replaced by Joel Asoro in the second half.
Aiden McGeady: 6.5
The former Everton winger was impressive with his runs, dribbles and crosses. Created a few chances but those were not utilized.
James Vaughan: 5.5
Combined well on one occasion with fellow attacker Grabban whose effort struck the woodwork seconds before Samuel Saiz’s opener. Was replaced by Wahbi Khazri early in the second half.
Lewis Grabban: 6
The forward was unlucky as he came close twice to earn his side a lead in the early minutes. Once he failed to reach the ball to put it into the back of the net and hit the woodwork on another occasion.
Substitutes
Adam Matthews: 5.5
Replaced Galloway in the second half. Tried to concentrate more on the attack in search of a goal, but his efforts went in vain.
Wahbi Khazri: 6
Tried to terrorize the Leeds backline with his pace, dribbling skills and trickery. Despite all his efforts, the White’s deep defence stood firm and clinched a clean-sheet.
Joel Asoro: 5.5
The teenager tried to impress with his passing and dribbling skills. But he too could not find the back of the net and save his side from a disappointing home defeat.
