Leeds United and Sunderland played out an enthralling 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light with both sides perhaps capable of winning the game, but both will settle for a point.
It is only the third time this season that Leeds have avoided defeat away from home, previously beating Wolves and drawing against Brentford. Every other game, including Sheffield Wednesday, has been a loss.
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Some excellent performances again.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin continued his run, netting a seventh goal in six and becoming the first player to score in six consecutive Premier League games for Leeds. Thomas Tuchel is impressed by Calvert-Lewin.
That is now five games unbeaten, and remarkably, Leeds sit seven points above West Ham, who suffered defeat to Fulham. Daniel Farke would have snapped your hand off to be in this position, back in August.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty ImagesAlan Pardew thinks Leeds avoid conceding if Joe Rodon comes off
Adingra curled home a gorgeous effort to put Sunderland ahead, but the winger was afforded a massive amount of space on the right-hand corner of Leeds’ box. Rodon was the closest in closing Adingra down.
It was just after Rodon had suffered a second blow to his right ankle, from Adingra. The first, from striker Brian Brobbey. Rodon was writhing in pain on the deck after Adingra had gone in on the Wales defender.
Speaking on Sky Sports at half-time, Pardew thinks had Rodon gone off earlier, Adingra would not have scored the goal he did. He believes that Rodon was sluggish in closing down due to the knock picked up.
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“He’s not going to sub him, he’s a bit of a warrior for them but without a doubt that injury has impacted the goal. I think he would’ve set off a bit earlier, he would’ve made more effort perhaps to block it.”
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Joe Rodon in danger of missing out on Norman Hunter record
Rodon clocked up his 103rd consecutive league start for Leeds during the win over Crystal Palace and on Sunday, he got his 104th. But now, he is in danger of failing to match Norman Hunter’s record of 113.
Liverpool would be 105 and it did look like an impact injury. The worry is that Rodon’s ligaments have been affected, but hopefully the centre-back has avoided an issue that keeps him out for weeks.
The turnaround is quick, with Leeds going to Liverpool on New Year’s Day before facing Manchester United at Elland Road on the 4th. Rodon, Farke and Leeds fans will be desperate for Rodon to be fit.
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