Leeds United were seconds away from securing an impressive road win over Sunderland and headed into the FIFA international break after having won three of their last four matches. However, that wouldn’t happen as a disastrous play leveled the scoring.
The contest didn’t start well for Leeds, as Chris Rigg opened the scoring for the home side in the ninth minute. Despite the not-ideal start to the match, the Whites responded thanks to Joël Piroe’s goal in the 22nd minute.
Both squads went into halftime leveled 1-1, and early in the second half, Junior Firpo scored in the 56th minute. The goal appeared to be the game-winner until Illan Meslier made a crucial error in the dying seconds of stoppage time, allowing the Black Cats to equalize.
Alan Browne’s cross deflected off Junior Firpo’s head, and as Meslier attempted to gather the ball, it slipped past him and rolled into the net, giving Sunderland a valuable point.
Journalist reacts to the costly mistake from Illan Meslier
Several journalists offered their views, joining the several Leeds fans who were shocked by how the match ended. The BBC’s Adam Pope used a French term to describe his reaction to what he saw in stoppage time.
“An inexplicable error from Meslier as Sunderland launch a long ball in the final seconds,” Pope wrote after the match on X. “A Hail Mary ends in a Sacre Bleu. A point from the jaws of victory.”
FT: Sunderland 2-2 #LUFC. An inexplicable error from Meslier as Sunderland launch a long ball in the final seconds. A Hail Mary ends in a Sacre Bleu. A point from the jaws of victory.
— Adam Pope (@apopey) October 4, 2024
Leeds’s result and the manner in which it dropped the points will have to sulk as the FIFA international break is now here. With the Yorkshire side having an injury crisis, many supporters will be holding their breaths as players head to their respective national teams.
Daniel Farke and his team must bounce back following the international break when they host promotional rival Sheffield United at Elland Road on October 18.
After nearly securing all three points against first-place side Sunderland, Leeds will need a win because they have failed to secure victories over clubs challenging for the top two automatic promotion spots to the Premier League.
The Whites have drawn against Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion while losing to Burnley. As a result, a win against the Blades is a must.
