Sport nationLeeds United’s promotion push was stalled by a frustrating 0-0 draw against Sunderland, leaving manager Daniel Farke to express his anger over several refereeing decisions that went against his side. The hosts, who were seeking a tenth successive league win in the top-two divisions for the first time ever in the same season, were held scoreless at home for the first time since September 2.
Farke’s frustration was evident as he criticized the referee, Tim Robinson, for failing to award two perceived handball offences in each half. The most significant moment came in the final quarter when Sunderland captain Luke O’Nien clearly handled the ball under pressure from Joe Rodon, but no penalty was given. Farke expressed his disappointment with the decision, stating, “We were pretty unfortunate with several decisions today because there was a clear handball in the first half which should have been a penalty and one in the second half, which should have been a penalty”.
Leeds United’s promotion hopes were further dampened by the added-on time, with only three minutes being added despite numerous substitutions and time-wasting tactics employed by Sunderland. Farke questioned the fairness of the decision, expressing his belief that the added time should have been longer, stating, “Also, whatever the added times have been in the last six years, I don’t think there was one Championship game where there was just three minutes added time. It felt a bit harsh after 10 substitutions and lots of time-wasting and discussions”.
Despite the setback, Farke remained optimistic about Leeds United’s chances of securing automatic promotion. He praised his team’s defensive performance, highlighting their return to solid defensive play after conceding in previous matches. Farke also acknowledged the need for Leeds to create more clear-cut chances and be more clinical in front of goal, particularly against resilient opponents like Sunderland, stating, “But if I am honest, it was the only thing I could criticise (from us) tonight”.
Interim head coach Mike Dodds of Sunderland expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting their tactically strong showing that stymied the hosts. Despite their winless streak extending to 11 matches, Dodds was pleased with the execution of the plan to stop Leeds United’s threat, describing them as the best side in the league, stating, “I was happy with the execution of the plan to stop their threat. I still think they are the best side in the league”.
The draw against Sunderland prevented Leeds United from moving to the top of the Championship table, as leaders Leicester City had lost at Millwall earlier in the day. Farke’s side, currently in second place, are ahead of Ipswich Town on goal difference and one point behind Leicester, having played a game more than the pair.
Farke’s post-match comments reflected his frustration with the refereeing decisions and the team’s inability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities. However, he also acknowledged the need for self-criticism and the importance of creating more clear-cut chances in future games. The draw against Sunderland served as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Leeds United in their pursuit of automatic promotion.
Amina Umar
Sport nation
