Leeds United fans will be very disappointed after another unfortunate result in the space of three days. The loss to Manchester City over the weekend was a painful one, but there was optimism the team could bounce back midweek.
They had to go through Sunderland, who themselves had not had a great start to 2026. The Black Cats only halted their losing streak over the weekend with a draw; and the game at Elland Road looked like the perfect opportunity to get points on the board. Just like against City over the weekend, Leeds started the game off on the better foot; dominating the away side, but failing to convert their chances.
Sunderland took the lead from the penalty spot, and spent the rest of the game time-wasting. Regis Le Bris’ side managed to see out the win in a difficult game on Tuesday.
Leeds United star slams Sunderland antics on Tuesday night
Leeds United were disappointed with the result, but what was more frustrating was the antics in the game. Sunderland players were given cheap fouls and wasting time every chance they got to kill off the game. After the match, Dan James spoke about Sunderland’s tactics in the late stages of the game.
“We worked really hard tonight,” the forward said speaking to LUTV.
“Obviously to score that goal and then be offside was a little bit heartbreaking to be fair. And then down the other end, maybe a harsh penalty to be given and then go 1-0 down. It kind of played into their hands a little bit.
“I thought we pushed on. Obviously, they wasted a lot of time. There were a lot of minutes added on but we couldn’t quite push to get the equaliser.
“Maybe we didn’t create absolutely loads but we were always a threat from set-pieces and with the free kick takers we have as well, we are always a threat.”
Last two games have been very unfair to Leeds
Against Manchester City, there were many calls that went against the Whites, and the same happened on Tuesday night too. It was the reason why Daniel Farke confronted Peter Bankes on Saturday and got sent off. Leeds are being punished for no reason with so many cheap fouls going against them. The referees are not the reason why the Whites lost these two games, but they certainly played a part. The club will be hoping for better officiating in the final stretch of games in the season.
