Habib Diarra’s second-half penalty secured a 1-0 win for Sunderland at Elland Road after a first-half spot-kick for Leeds was not given, a decision that drew heavy criticism from manager Daniel Farke and former players.
The 70th-minute penalty was awarded after VAR sent referee Stuart Attwell to the pitchside monitor following a shot by Wilson Isidor that struck the arm of Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu. Attwell ruled Ampadu had “deliberately handled” the ball and Diarra converted from the spot to move Sunderland to 40 points.
Leeds were incensed that VAR had earlier not intervened when Pascal Struijk appeared to be pulled to the ground by Luke O’Nien from a corner in the opening stages. TV pundits and ex-players labelled the non-call “very harsh” and “clear as day.” Sky Sports News reported VAR had reviewed the Struijk incident but decided a clear and obvious error had not occurred.
Daniel Farke said after the match he was puzzled and frustrated, insisting Leeds had dominated and created chances but lacked the quality to score. “It is not even a question. What was VAR doing in this scene? It can’t be a clearer penalty,” he told TNT Sports. Former players including Michael Dawson and Jermaine Beckford also questioned the decisions.
VAR officials at Elland Road were Paul Tierney (VAR) and Ian Hussin (assistant VAR). The on-field officials were referee Stuart Attwell, assistants Constantine Hatzidakis and Hristo Karaivanov, and fourth official John Busby.
Sunderland’s win, their only shot on target of the match, ended a nine-game winless away league run and lifted them to 11th. Leeds remain 15th and six points above the relegation zone, with rivals having games in hand. Joe Rodon had a second-half header ruled out for offside in the 64th minute after VAR review, adding to Leeds’ frustration. Jaka Bijol missed two late chances as Leeds searched in vain for an equaliser.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris praised his players’ character and said reaching 40 points was an important milestone, while acknowledging the season remains unpredictable with nine games left.
Opta stats from the match:
– Sunderland completed 143 passes, the second-lowest passing tally by a winning side in the Premier League this season.
– This was the fifth Premier League game this season decided by a team winning with only one shot on target; Sunderland have featured twice.
– Leeds have now lost back-to-back Premier League home matches for the first time since April 2023.
– Of Premier League and Championship teams to concede 60+ penalties, Leeds have seen the highest conversion rate against them, with opponents converting 85% (67/79).
Team news and notable details:
– Leeds named an unchanged XI from their previous home defeat to Manchester City.
– Sunderland started goalkeeper Melker Ellborg on his debut after Robin Roefs was injured.
– Granit Xhaka was on the bench; Luke O’Nien made his first league start of the season and Nilson Angulo returned to the side.
Player ratings (selected):
– Leeds: Darlow 6; Justin 6; Rodon 6; Struijk 6; Ampadu 6; Calvert-Lewin 5; Aaronson 5.
– Sunderland: Ellborg 7; O’Nien 7; Dan Ballard 8 (Player of the Match); Alderete 7; Diarra 7.
Match officials:
– Referee: Stuart Attwell
– Assistants: Constantine Hatzidakis, Hristo Karaivanov
– Fourth official: John Busby
– VAR: Paul Tierney
– Assistant VAR: Ian Hussin
The result leaves Leeds needing to respond quickly as they continue to look over their shoulders, while Sunderland will aim to build on the morale-boosting victory as the run-in approaches.