Sky Bet Championship

Leeds United 0

Sunderland 0

Leeds: Meslier (GK), Firpo, Ampadu (C), Kamara (Gnonto 71’), Bamford (Piroe 82’), Summerville, Rodon, James (Joseph 82’), Gray (Roberts 82’), Rutter, Gruev. Subs not used: Darlow (GK), Cresswell, Cooper, Anthony, Byram.

Sunderland: Patterson (GK), Ballard, Pembele (Alese 69’), Bellingham (Semedo 90’), O’Nien (C), Clarke, Neil, Styles, Rigg (Roberts 59’), Hume, Ekwah. Subs not used: Bishop (GK), Mundle, Ba, Aouchiche, Hjelde, Dack. 

Referee: Tim Robinson

Booked: Firpo (Leeds) Ballard, O’Nien, Rigg, Bellingham (Sunderland)

Venue: Elland Road

Attendance: 36,793

Leeds United played out a goalless draw against Sunderland on Tuesday evening at Elland Road, with both teams taking a point away from the Sky Bet Championship encounter. 

When the game got underway, each side had efforts on goal in the opening stages, but neither of them troubled the goalkeeper at either end. 

First up was the returning Jack Clarke who at full-stretch, couldn’t direct a header goalwards. Shortly after, Georginio Rutter smashed one from range, which went wide of the goal.  

Daniel Farke’s side were in control of much of the clash and dominated possession. They saw plenty of last-ditch Sunderland challenges come in when around the box, resulting in set-play opportunities. 

One opening that did arrive from open-play was from top-scorer Crysencio Summerville. He broke free down the left, cut inside and shot at goal, only to see his effort deflected just past the post. 

With 10 minutes to go until the break, the first ‘keeper tested was Illan Meslier. The danger again came from the lively Clarke down the left, he cut in and shot, only to see United’s number one turn the effort away. 

The opening 45 minutes was brought to a close with Farke’s side having seen much of the play, but the score remained level.

HALF TIME: Leeds United 0-0 Sunderland

No changes came from either side during the break, as they returned from their respective dressing rooms to battle once again in the second 45 minutes. 

The Whites started well after the restart and again were on top. Plenty of attacking intent saw an opening created for Georginio who had his shot deflected wide once more. From the corner, the ball fell to Dan James on the edge, who then struck narrowly wide. 

On the counter attack, Clarke continued to try and cause issues for the United defence. He broke free in space and as he looked to cut the ball back to a teammate in the box for a tap in, a superb diving challenge from Ethan Ampadu cleared the danger. 

Leeds then came close, from another set-play. James was brought down just outside the box and Summerville stepped up to take the free-kick, which struck the side netting, flying inches wide of the top corner.  

Farke went to his bench looking to bring on fresh momentum and find a way through. Willy Gnonto, Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph and Connor Roberts were all introduced.

The game continued to bring plenty of set-piece opportunities after Sunderland clearances and from one of them, the Whites had strong appeals for a penalty turned away, from what appeared to be a handball. 

One final shot came in added time, as Gnonto struck a powerful left-footed effort which was again deflected behind, before the resulting corner scrambled away.

The full time whistle sounded and confirmed a point apiece. Leeds are next in action on Saturday at home to Blackburn Rovers. 

FULL TIME: Leeds United 0-0 Sunderland