Leeds moved back up to second place in the Championship, after being held to a 0-0 draw by Sunderland. On the whole, it was a much better performance from the men in White. Their movement off the ball was a lot better and their passing crisper. They had definitely re-found some (but not all) of the swagger that had deserted them since coming back from International Duty.

Upfront was slightly different. They could still be playing now, and not have scored, yet, they had opportunities! The Whites were denied two stone wall penalties, and missed a hatful of half chances that would have found the back of the net just weeks ago. The visitors never really looked like scoring, Jack Clarke (the Crysensio Summerville of their team) was a constant handful though, but was kept in check by Archie Gray and Ethan Ampadu.

We must remember, Sunderland (up until last night) had only won once from their previous ten outings, losing seven and conceding sixteen times. But Leeds only managed jut one shot on target all evening! There seemed to be a lack of urgency from the players, which had filtered through to the terraces. The normally rowdy Elland Road faithful (you know who you are) were unresponsive for much of the game. The nervous energy filling the stadium finally cleared with ten minutes on the clock, but the substitutions came far too late to make a difference.

	Line Up		Nat	Match Events
	1	Meslier, Illan Goalkeeper
	22	Gray, Archie Midfielder
	14	Rodon, Joe Defender
	4	Ampadu, Ethan Midfielder
	3	Firpo, Junior Defender
	44	Gruev, Ilia Midfielder
	8	Kamara, Glen Midfielder
	20	James, Daniel Midfielder
	24	Rutter, Georginio Forward
	10	Summerville, Crysencio Midfielder
	9	Bamford, Patrick Forward
	Subs		Nat	Match Events
	29	Gnonto, Wilfried Midfielder
	7	Piroe, Joel Forward
	49	Joseph, Mateo Forward
	33	Roberts, Connor Defender
	5	Cresswell, Charlie Defender		Unused Sub
	6	Cooper, Liam Defender		Unused Sub
	12	Anthony, Jaidon Midfielder		Unused Sub
	25	Byram, Sam Defender		Unused Sub
	26	Darlow, Karl Goalkeeper		Unused Sub

	References
	LEEDSTATS: Leeds United Season 2023/2024
	Sheridan Dictates: Season Statistics 2023-24
	Leeds United Programme Guide: Season 2023/24