SHARED SPOILS

Sunderland will walk away from yesterday's game against Leeds feeling like two points lost, not one gained. From the first whistle there was an edge, a confidence about the way we played that didn’t need backing up by stats or possession charts. We were sharper, braver, and more purposeful in the first half. The tempo was ours. The tackles stuck, the passes had intent, and Leeds looked uncomfortable whenever we pushed the game into their half.

Chances came, territory was claimed, and even when Leeds had spells on the ball it felt controlled. Sunderland were the better side in that opening period, regardless of what the numbers might say later. The crowd sensed it too — that feeling that something was there for the taking.

Then came the moment of real quality. A truly world-class pass from Xhaka, split perfectly through the lines, and Adingra did the rest — curling a beautiful finish that deserved the stage it was played on. It was one of those goals you almost applaud through gritted teeth: precision, balance, and absolute belief.

After the break, though, frustration crept in. The second half never quite flowed the way the first did. Attacks stalled, decisions went against us, and Leeds grew into the game without ever really sparkling. At the other end, Roefs turned into something resembling the Empire State Building in goal — impossible to get around, impossible to knock down. Shot after shot was met by a hand, a body, or a deflection that just wouldn’t fall kindly.

That’s where the irritation lies. Sunderland didn’t collapse, didn’t retreat, but couldn’t quite force the breakthrough either. It wasn’t a bad performance — far from it — just one that leaves you knowing there was more there. A win was within reach, and that’s what stings.

Still, there’s plenty to take forward. The first-half showing was proof of what this side can do, and the resilience never disappeared. On another day, with a bit more luck and a bit less concrete in the opposing goal, this reads very differently.

We’ll do it again — and we’ll do it better. Til the end? Just the start.