Daniel Farke will not be a happy man after Leeds United failed to win this weekend. The Whites are yet to win a game since beating Newcastle at Elland Road before the international break.
Though there is no cause for concern as the club have avoided defeats, the lack of ability to turn draws into wins is missing.
Regardless of that, 11 points from the first eight games to start the season is good for Leeds. They have faced Brighton, Brentford, Arsenal and Man United along the way and gotten something from those games.
Sunday could have been different if the players were able to covert their chances; something that has worried the club all season.
Former PL ref gives huge verdict on Leeds penalty call in Sunderland clash
Stuart Attwell
Credit: Imago
The result at the Stadium of Light could have really gone either way; Sunderland had a lot of great opportunities but James Trafford was brilliant on the night.
Leeds United could have taken all three points if they had been awarded a penalty late in the game.
Calvert-Lewin was brought down by Luke O’Nien, with the striker baring down on goal with only the keeper in sight. Referee Stuart Attwell did not give an on-field penalty, and VAR did not give one after their review.
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett says that it was a difficult decision, but in the end he sided with Attwell’s decision not to award a spot kick.
“Wow, interesting. I’ve seen them given; I’ve seen them not given. It’s not 100%. I’ll go with the referee,” Hackett told Football Insider.
“I think this game was extremely difficult for the players and for the referee. I’m giving him the support of how he managed this game in the weather conditions.
“I like the maturity that he’s demonstrating now. At times, I’ve given the view that he’s slightly aloof. Now I’m seeing him chatting to players.
“I’m seeing that smile. He’s enjoying it, even though this was difficult.”
READ MORE: Leeds star sounds alarm over mentality after fifth draw in eight games
Attwell made the correct call
Maybe due to the tension late in the game, fans would have seen that as a clear and obvious penalty.
But on the replay, O’Nein does not mean to deliberately take out Calvert-Lewin in the box and there is definitely contact.
If it was given, it would have been a harsh decision that ultimately decided the game. Leeds fans will argue a similar situation went down when both sides met last season with Sunderland winning at Elland Road due to a penalty.
But looking at all the factors, referee Stuart Attwell was right not to award a penalty. The incident was not clear cut and not taking the decision cannot be declared a clear and obvious error.
