RATINGS: LEEDS

Sunderland reached the famous 40 point mark by beating Leeds United 1-0 at Elland Road. By doing so, we won our first Premier League away game since October and also beat Leeds on home soil for the first time in two decades. A Habib Diarra penalty ended up being the difference.

MELKER ELLBORG: 9/10

Did what he needed to on his Sunderland debut, making four saves and claiming it when necessary. Distribution a bit inaccurate but it was at least quick and I’m not holding that against him after he’s just kept a clean sheet in a baptism of fire.

LUKE O’NIEN: 8.5/10

Had a couple of dodgy moments, going to ground when he should have stayed on his feet and misplacing a few passes, however overall he did really well and coped with their press which was targeting him at the start of the match.

DAN BALLARD: 8.5/10

Similar to O’Nien, he wasn’t faultless but he performed effectively under the cosh.

OMAR ALDERETE: 8.5/10

Really good at winning the ball in the air and made a frankly ridiculous number of clearances. He wasn’t as brilliant when the battle was physical and on the ground though.

TRAI HUME: 8.5/10

Defensively really good and shut down a lot of their attacks from their right wing. Tired towards the end but deserves a lot of praise.

LUTSHAREL GEERTRUIDA: 6.5/10

Struggled to get involved a little bit but did most of the basics well enough and wasn’t a hindrance.

NOAH SADIKI: 7/10

Good work-rate and played his part at the back, however he had more difficulties when trying to play it forward.

NILSON ANGULO: 7.5/10

Worked his socks off, pressed well, supported his fullback and also broke forward a couple of times. His final ball lacked a bit though.

HABIB DIARRA: 9/10

Scored the penalty, not an easy thing to concentrate on taking when you’re in front of the Leeds fans I’m sure, and was quiet but efficacious throughout the rest of the 90 minutes.

ENZO LE FEE: 8/10

Probably a little bit too casual on a few occasions, Le Fee still put in the yards when we were under pressure. Could have been improved when attacking in my opinion though.

ELIEZER MAYENDA: 6/10

Nine touches in 55 minutes isn’t the best return and I think he could have worked harder to get onto the ball once or twice. Still, did well in the air.

SUBS:

WILSON ISIDOR: 5.5/10

Just didn’t look interested unfortunately. Definitely could have applied himself more.

GRANIT XHAKA: 8.5/10

Came on and effected things greatly, even if it was just by being a calming presence off of the ball. We’re a much better team with him on the pitch, there’s no doubt about it.

BERTRAND TRAORE: N/A

Was only on the pitch a couple of minutes before his injury reoccurred, hopefully it hasn’t set him back too long.

CHRIS RIGG: N/A

Only made three touches so hard to judge him.