All eyes were on Sunderland and Leeds United in this top of the table clash in the Championship tonight, with the Yorkshire outfit stealing all three points late on.
Sunderland made the trip down to Elland Road and faced an incredibly daunting task of taking on one of the best teams in the Championship.
A first half dominated by the home side, however, was won by a moment of magic from Wilson Isidor, who turned his man and slotted home his 12th goal of the season in style.
Leeds huffed and puffed after the break and enjoyed large spells of pressure again, but Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats team were well-organised and resilient throughout.
However, when Daniel Farke made changes to his team, they paid instant dividends, with Pascal Struijk heading home from a Joe Rothwell free-kick to level the score.
And it was that man Struijk who popped up once again in injury time to seal the win for the home side and break Sunderland hearts.
Sunderland player ratings from the 2-1 defeat vs Leeds
With their backs against the wall for much of the game, some players in the Sunderland squad showed quality, determination, and discipline, while others fell apart at the seams.
Anthony Patterson – 5
Surprisingly little for Patterson to do on the night, with nothing of note to challenge him in the Sunderland goal. Can hardly be blamed for the first Leeds goal, but has to do better when it comes to the winner.
Trai Hume – 8
Fantastic once again from Trai Hume, who continues his fine form. Kept Leeds United’s danger men at bay out wide with great discipline and awareness.
Dan Ballard – 7
Solid enough from the big man at the back. Handled Joel Piroe for the most part, stood his ground throughout.
Luke O’Nien – 8
A proper terrier-like performance from the scrappy centre-half. First to every ball, putting his body on the line, and well and truly got the Leeds players rattled at times. Was very unlucky not to make the clearance for the Leeds goal, too.
Dennis Cirkin – 5
A really poor showing from the full-back, who was sloppy on the ball, careless with his challenges, and found himself constantly second-best in the contest with Dan James.
Dan Neil – 7
Did his best to win the midfield battle, with some good tackles and neat interplay with his colleagues. Calm and composed, leading by example throughout.
Jobe Bellingham – 7
Similar to Neil, Jobe Bellingham did his best to dictate the flow of the game from central areas. Faded out of it somewhat as the game went on, though.
Chris Rigg – 6
It’s clear Chris Rigg needs a rest, as the teenager’s impact was once again minimal. Worked his socks off, but simply isn’t having any kind of influence on the game.
Patrick Roberts – 5
Poor deliveries from out wide once again, was second-best to Junior Firpo all game, and even gave away the mindless foul that led to Leeds’ equaliser.
Enzo Le Fee – 7
Once again showed his talents when it comes to ball control and beating his man, with some clever flicks and tricks. But, how much longer do we need to wait to see him play through the middle?
Wilson Isidor – 9
Scored a fantastic goal out of nowhere, using his strength and control to forge an opportunity when he really shouldn’t have been given one. Sunderland were significantly weaker the moment he left the pitch.
Substitutes came at the wrong time for Regis Le Bris
The Sunderland manager made a couple of changes with roughly 15 minutes to go, and just moments later, Leeds United were level.
Salis Abdul Samed – 6
Barely noticeable when he came on, aside from some half-decent link-up play late on in the Leeds half.
Eliezer Mayenda – 6
Always gives his all and tries to make things happen when he comes on, but we have to wonder whether the impact sub role is right for him.
Ian Poveda – N/A
Only had five or six minutes, wouldn’t be fair to judge him based on that.