Leeds United fell to their second 1-0 home defeat in four days at the hands of Sunderland on Tuesday night. Habib Diarra’s second-half penalty proved the decider on another frustrating evening for Daniel Farke’s side.
Leeds enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the first-half but made very little of it, with Sunderland happy to soak up pressure and their hosts causing few problems. Joe Rodon headed home Anton Stach’s whipped free-kick midway through the second-half but after a VAR review, it was ruled out for offside.
Minutes later, VAR again intervened to award Sunderland a penalty for an Ethan Ampadu handball which Diarra just about squeezed beyond Karl Darlow. Farke threw on every attacker available to him but despite growing late pressure, Leeds failed to find the breakthrough and were left frustrated for a second home game running.
YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth was at Elland Road to watch the action. Here are his Leeds United player ratings...
7. CM: Ethan Ampadu
4 - Wasn't at his best on the ball. Gave away the penalty. | Getty Images
8. CM: Ilia Gruev
4 - Ran around but didn't impact the game in any significant way. | AFP via Getty Images
9. CM: Anton Stach
6 - Set-pieces were hit and miss. Came close with a free-kick. Some nice touches but couldn't create enough. | AFP via Getty Images
10. CAM: Brenden Aaronson
5 - Involved in a couple of half promising moments but couldn't give Leeds composure or quality. | Getty Images
11. ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
5 - Won a few headers but didn't have it all his own way. Didn't have a chance all game. | AFP via Getty Images
12. Sub: Lukas Nmecha
6 - Lively. Some nice touches to create problems. One poor decision that gave away a free-kick. | Getty Images