Simon Adingra gets lift-off, 3/10 has nightmare – Sunderland player ratings vs Leeds United
Sunderland played out a 1-1 draw with Leeds United at the Stadium of Light.
Dan Ballard’s injury was a huge blow for Sunderland ahead of the game, with the Black Cats without seven first-team players for the clash, though that had little influence on their ability to maintain their impressive home run.
Simon Adingra gave Sunderland the lead after a delightful pass from Granit Xhaka, just moments before his challenge forced Joe Rodon off with an injury.
However, Leeds came out motivated in the second half, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring for the sixth game in a row to level the game after just three minutes, with the momentum completely shifting as a result.
In the end, the Black Cats will count their lucky stars that they were able to continue their unbeaten home run.
Adingra must take momentum from impressive Sunderland display
Playing as a winger can often bring frustration, but Adingra‘s display against Leeds was comfortably his best since he made the move to the Stadium of Light.
Not only was his goal extremely well taken, but his work rate throughout the clash was superb, and that has been a defining factor in Sunderland’s success this season.
Not long after he gave his side the lead, Adingra nearly set up the second, after an excellent cross was headed onto the bar by Brian Brobbey.
AFCON was always going to be Adingra’s chance to stake a claim for his place in the side, and if he can keep up this level of performance, that will not even be in doubt.
Dennis Cirkin struggles massively on Premier League debut
Ballard’s injury meant that Regis Le Bris was forced into a defensive change, and that saw Dennis Cirkin play his first game for the Black Cats since their play-off final triumph.
He was always going to look shaky at times, but it was certainly a debut to forget, with the former Spurs academy prospect terrorised by Brenden Aaronson of all people.
Cirkin was caught horribly out of position for Leeds’ equaliser, and was nearly guilty of the same just minutes later when Jayden Bogle nearly scrambled the ball past the line at the far post, completely unmarked.
With Reinildo at AFCON, Sunderland will be hoping that Ballard can return sooner rather than later.
Sunderland player ratings
Robin Roefs – 7
Trai Hume – 7
Nordi Mukiele – 6
Omar Alderete – 6
Dennis Cirkin – 3
Lutsharel Geertruida – 8
Granit Xhaka – 8
Chris Rigg – 5 (for Mayenda 68′)
Enzo Le Fee – 5
Simon Adingra – 9 (for Mundle 85′)
Brian Brobbey – 7 (for Isidor 68′)
Subs
Eliezer Mayenda – 6 (for Rigg 68′)
Wilson Isidor – 5 (for Brobbey 68′)
Romaine Mundle – N/A (for Adingra 85′)
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