Leeds United were just moments away from securing an impressive away win against Sunderland, which would have given them three victories in their last four matches heading into the FIFA international break.
However, a costly mistake turned the tide, allowing Sunderland to equalize and deny Leeds the victory. Afterward, Pascal Struijk shared with manager Daniel Farke what he saw that led to the game-tying goal.
Both teams were tied at 1-1 when they headed into halftime. Early in the second half, Junior Firpo scored in the 56th minute, putting Leeds ahead and looking like he might secure the game-winner. Nonetheless, in the final moments of stoppage time, Illan Meslier made a crucial mistake that allowed the Black Cats to equalize.
Alan Browne’s cross deflected off Firpo’s head, and as Meslier tried to collect the ball, it slipped through his fingers and rolled into the net, gifting Sunderland a valuable point.
Pascal Struijk confides in Daniel Farke what happened on the game-tying goal
After the match, manager Daniel Farke mentioned that captain Pascal Struijk had seen the ball take an unfortunate bounce right in front of the goalkeeper, which allowed it to spin past Meslier.
“After such a situation, you don’t need to speak about it – no-one wants to hear any words,” Farke said (h/t BBC). “Pascal came over and said he had never seen anything like this. He said it bounced and jumped in the other direction because there was a mark on the pitch.
“I can’t tell you if that was the case because I wasn’t on the pitch, but Pascal was probably in the best position to see. If it was this, it was unbelievably unlucky. To lose those points in this way is heartbreaking, is horrendous, is so sad and disappointing for our lads.”
Leeds will feel frustrated with their latest result, especially after letting points slip away just as the FIFA international break kicks in. With an ongoing injury crisis, fans will likely be anxious as players head off to join their national teams.
Farke and his squad must regroup and return strong after the break, especially with a crucial match against promotion rivals Sheffield United at Elland Road on October 18. A win over the Blades would be a great way to move past the disappointment of the dropped points at the Stadium of Light.
