The Black Cats managed a 2-2 draw against Leeds United at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland managed to get off to the perfect start at the Stadium of Light against Leeds United, with Chris Rigg netting his second goal in his three last home appearances, one which fell to him rather favourably after Ilian Meslier spilled Dennis Cirkin’s hard and directed attempt.
Whilst Regis Le Bris’ side were up against a Leeds United side that had more than their fair share of possession, Sunderland were certainly one-upping their opponents in terms of threats on goal.
However, whilst being on the back front in regards to chances fashioned, Leeds United managed to square up the game through Joel Piroe with a brilliantly-taken header.
The pendulum fully swung in the away sides favour following the goal and Sunderland were almost hanging on to not quickly fall behind against Leeds United, however the game levelled off before half time with the Black Cats getting a few opportunities before the break.
The second half started positively for Sunderland, however Leeds United went ahead through Junior Firpo after a brilliantly worked goal.
Despite continuing to fashion chances, Sunderland struggled to capitalise on their opportunities in front of goal, and it looked as if Sunderland were going to lose for the first time at home this campaign.
However, the game was spectacularly turned on its head once again after a calamitous moment from the Leeds United shot-stopper, who let the ball somehow slip through his fingers.
Here are our player ratings from Sunderland’s draw vs Leeds United…
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Anthony Patterson
Very composed with the ball at his feet. Had no chance to stop Piroe’s headed goal. 7/10.
Trai Hume
Played an instrumental part in the opener after finding Cirkin in the box. Did well to read the game and looked solid offensively. 7/10.
Dennis Cirkin
Made some gliding runs down the left flank, cutting inside and offering an extra man in midfield in transition. Caused a significant threat with his balls into the box. 8/10.
Chris Mepham
Played the ball around the backline with ease and looked very calm and composed. 7/10.
Luke O’Nien
Composed at the back and looked strong alongside Chris Mepham at the back. Not at fault for the goals. 6/10.
Dan Neil
Dispossessed on occasions in the centre-of-the-park. Had a half chance on the 53rd minute but couldn’t get it on goal. Offered very little to Le Bris’ side in both halves and proved to be a bit of a passenger. Didn’t improve on last week’s poor performance much at all. 5/10.
Jobe Bellingham
Was handed a half chance in the opening few minutes, should have directed on target. 6/10.
Chris Rigg
Right place at the right time for the opening goal. Played very well alongside Bellingham in the midfield. 8/10.
Patrick Roberts
Gave the ball away in a few precarious positions in the first stanza. Was causing trouble for the Leeds United defence and linked up well with Bellingham. Continued his direct and dangerous approach into the second half. 7/10.
Romaine Mundle
Tested Meslier from outside the box with a somewhat audacious effort in the opening 15 minutes. Looked somewhat off the pace in comparison to previous games. 6/10.
Wilson Isidor
Struggled to grow into the game early on and wasn’t making use of playing into the channels. Drew in a yellow card for Joe Rodon after Isidor got the better of him in a 1v1 situation. 6/10.
Substitutions: Alan Browne (8), Tony Watson (6).