Leeds United were held to a 1–1 draw by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, stretching their unbeaten run to five matches as Dominic Calvert-Lewin once again found the net.
Away form has been a persistent issue for the Whites this season, but they delivered a composed display on Wearside to come away with a deserved point. In truth, Leeds looked the more likely winners after the break and created enough chances to take all three.
Daniel Farke may feel his side left something on the table, particularly given their control of the game following Calvert-Lewin’s second-half equaliser. Still, it was another assured performance and an important one away from home, underlining Leeds’ growing belief that they have what it takes to stay in the Premier League.
Leeds have now collected nine points from their last five outings, and with West Ham suffering another defeat on Saturday, the Whites have further increased the gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
Sunderland star conceded that Daniel Farke shocked his side
The Leeds boss showed that he is not married to the 5-3-2 formation despite the results it has brought in the last few weeks.
He tweaked in the second half, and the early goal from Calvert-Lewin after the break allowed Leeds to completely dominate the game until Sunderland found some foothold in the last 10 minutes.
Sunderland goalscorer Simon Adingra admitted that the tactical shift from Farke shocked the home side, and they struggled to adapt to the new formation.
He conceded that the Black Cats were not good enough to adapt quickly, which allowed Leeds dominate the second half.
Adingra said on Sky Sports: “I think after they switched formation, it was tough for us to adapt; we struggled a little bit.
“We had a game plan, we were following the plan like normal, but after they changed, we needed to adapt quickly. We were not good enough.
“I hope the next game will be better.”
Farke has proved his critics wrong
The Leeds manager has often been accused of being tactically rigid and sticking to one style of play. The criticism has stuck with him since his days at Norwich City.
However, Farke has completely turned that criticism on its head by being tactically fluid in the last few weeks, which has brought in the results.
Joe Rodon’s injury meant Leeds shifted to a back four, and the Whites took control of the game, and had the homeside hanging by a thread at some point.
The Leeds head coach has proved he’s willing to adapt and tweak his approach when required, with the players now reaping the rewards in their performances and results.
