Championship
Stadium of Light
41,769
Tim Robinson
There was late drama at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland came from behind to grab a share of the spoils with virtually the last kick of the game. With 97 minutes on the clock, and the Whites looking comfortable, Leeds (and Meslier in particular) were dealt the cruellest of blows when Alan Browne's harmless flick-on 40 yards out, bounced awkwardly and rolled into the back of the net as the half empty stadium celebrated like they had won the league.
Closer examination shows that Junior Firpo got the final touch (and indeed was credited with the own goal). The inertia generated, sent the ball (once it bounced) in a totally different trajectory, providing more spin than a Breakfast Debate. The hosts had taken the lead after nine minutes. Leeds failed to clear Roberts cut-back, allowing Cirkin a free strike at goal, which Meslier was equal to. Unfortunately, the rebound fell kindly to Rigg who stabbed the ball home from close distance.
Leeds drew level twelve minutes later, with Piroe claiming his fourth of the season, heading Gnonto's inch perfect cross, across goal, leaving Patterson stranded. The score-line remained level until ten minutes into the second half. Firpo's clever one-two with Gnonto allowed the former Barca man the space to pick his spot from twelve yards out.
There was little to choose between the teams, though the hosts dominated the corner count. Once again Leeds wasted a host of half chances which always seem to get gobbled up by opponents, but this is the Leeds way. I can't help thinking the club is cursed - did we ever lift the gypsy curse on Elland Road?
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Line Up | Nat |
Match Events |
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1 |
Meslier, Illan Goalkeeper |
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3 |
Firpo, Junior Defender |
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5 |
Struijk, Pascal Defender |
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6 |
Rodon, Joe Defender |
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2 |
Bogle, Jayden Defender |
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8 |
Rothwell, Joe Midfielder |
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22 |
Tanaka, Ao Midfielder |
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17 |
Ramazani, Largie Midfielder |
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11 |
Aaronson, Brenden Midfielder |
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29 |
Gnonto, Wilfried Midfielder |
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10 |
Piroe, Joel Forward |
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Subs | Nat |
Match Events |
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33 |
Schmidt, Isaac Defender |
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25 |
Byram, Sam Defender |
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19 |
Joseph, Mateo Forward |
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9 |
Bamford, Patrick Forward |
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Unused Sub | |
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42 |
Chambers, Sam Midfielder |
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Unused Sub | |
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50 |
Crew, Charlie Midfielder |
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Unused Sub | |
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26 |
Darlow, Karl Goalkeeper |
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Unused Sub | |
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37 |
Debayo, James Defender |
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Unused Sub | |
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30 |
Gelhardt, Joe Forward |
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Unused Sub | |
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