Leeds United, one of the promotion favourites this season, travelled to the Stadium of Light this evening to encounter Sunderland who got relegated to the Championship following a dismal Premier League campaign. But the visitors suffered a massive blow as the Whites boss Thomas Christiansen left hitman Chris Wood out of the squad who is close to complete a move to Premier League outfit Burnley. The hosts, on the other hand, had a similar inception of the new campaign ( with 1 win and 2 draws) as of their today’s counterparts and were 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 Leeds United players rated from this outing.
Felix Wiedwald: 7
Wiedwald looked solid between the sticks, stopped Lee Cattermole’s effort and impressed with his outing. A thoroughly deserved clean sheet.
Luke Ayling: 7
Struggled with his long balls and crosses, but the Englishman performed his defensive responsibilities and made some impressive forward runs.
Pontus Jansson: 8
Jansson was excellent aerially, also won a few duels using his physicality, made a few crucial clearances as well as blocks and tackles.
Liam Cooper: 8
Partnered Jansson spectacularly. Impressed with his intercepting and passing skills, also cleared a number of Sunderland attacks.
Vurnon Anita: 6.5
The veteran Dutchman proved his versatility once more. He did well in a makeshift left-back role despite early stumbles and helped his defence to hold the lead.
Kalvin Phillips: 7
Another steady outing in the middle of the park. Won possession in midfield, linked up well with fellow attackers and spread the game wide.
Eunan O’Kane: 6.5
Screened the defence, combatted well in midfield and broke down a number of Sunderland attacks.
Ezgjan Alioski: 7.5
The winger was impressive once again. He tested the keeper a few times and teed the ball up beautifully for Saiz who made no mistake to earn a first half lead.
Samuel Saiz: 8.5
Scored a hat-trick on his debut against Port Vale in the League Cup. Impressed once again as he scored one and assisted the other for substitute Stuart Dallas before being subbed off and replaced by midfielder Mateusz Klich.
Pablo Hernandez: 6.5
The veteran attacker had an opportunity to double the lead in first half. Despite a bright start, he failed to carry on after sustaining an injury following a collision with Phillips. Was forced to leave the field midway through the first half and was replaced by Kemar Roofe.
Caleb Ekuban: 5.5
The forward worked hard but struggled in front of goal and failed to make any noteworthy contribution before being replaced by Stuart Dallas following a suspected injury.
Substitutes
Kemar Roofe: 6
A mixed experience as he dribbled past the defence on a number of occasions, but lost a few duels, was dispossessed a few times. Whipped in a few crosses and linked up well with fellow attackers.
Stuart Dallas: 7
Scored an all important goal towards the end of Saiz’s delivery and his header sealed the deal for the visitors.
Mateusz Klich: 6
Helped the defence to keep composure against Sunderland’s attacking flair in the closing minutes.
