Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Tue 3 March 2026 21:37, UK

Regis Le Bris’ side picked up a 1-0 win against Leeds United at Elland Road on Tuesday thanks to Habib Diarra.

Sunderland may have found themselves lucky to not go one goal behind early in the first half, as Luke O’Nien pulled Pascal Struijk down to the ground via his neck.

In the end, a penalty was not awarded for the home team, but it was the Mackems who would instead score from the spot.

The Black Cats were then awarded a penalty following a handball from Ethan Ampadu, which Diarra slotted away despite Karl Darlow getting a hand to the ball.

In the end, that would be the only goal that would separate the sides, and Le Bris will be delighted to pick up three points at a tough away ground like Elland Road.

• Read more: Find out who Sunderland’s most underrated player at the Stadium of Light is

Dan Ballard frustrates Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Dominic Calvert-Lewin did not have the best of games against Sunderland, and Dan Ballard led the defence excellently in doing so.

The 26-year-old was quite busy against Leeds, in which he was able to keep the Leeds number extremely quiet.

The Englishman did not take a single shot against the Black Cats and was limited to just 24 touches over the course of the game.

Ballard himself competed in eight aerial duels, winning four, while also completing 11 clearances. He also made four recoveries.

The defender had a lot to do, and he certainly did it well.

• Read more: Ballard has signed a new contract at Sunderland – find out everything you need to know about the Northern Irishman’s deal

Eliezer Mayenda was anonymous vs Leeds

Eliezer Mayenda was given another opportunity to start up front for the Black Cats following a goal against Bournemouth at the weekend.

However, the Spaniard did not take his chance this time around.

The 20-year-old was often isolated up top, highlighted by just his nine touches throughout his 56-minute performance. He completed just two of his passes and did not have a single shot on goal.

Overall, Brian Brobbey will not be worrying too much about his spot in the team when he returns from injury.

You would now suspect that Wilson Isidor will likely start for the Mackems in their next fixture.

Sunderland player ratings vs Leeds United

Melker Ellborg – 6

Luke O’Nien – 7

Daniel Ballard – 8

Omar Alderete – 7

Trai Hume – 7

Noah Sadiki – 6

Lutsharel Geertruida – 5

Enzo Le Fee – 7

Habib Diarra – 7

Nilson Angulo – 5

Elizier Mayenda – 4

Substitutes:

Granit Xhaka – 6

Wilson Isidor – 5

Bertrand Traore – N/A

Chris Rigg – N/A

For even more Sunderland news and opinions, head over to Football Insider.