Leeds United returned to the top of the Championship table in dramatic fashion as substitute Pascal Struijk scored twice to secure a last-minute victory over Sunderland. The night began with pride for the city following the announcement of a new national poetry center, but by the final whistle, it was the football at Elland Road that had captured the spotlight.
The match started with Sunderland showing early promise. Illan Meslier was tested twice in quick succession when Enzo Le Fée created a chance for Jobe Bellingham, whose shot lacked power. The rebound fell to Patrick Roberts, but Meslier was equal to the task. Le Fée, once a teammate of Meslier in France, showcased the talent that once led Roma to pay a hefty transfer fee for his services.
Despite Leeds enjoying possession, Sunderland struck first. A long ball from Dan Ballard found Wilson Isidor, who outmuscled Ethan Ampadu before delivering an angled shot that ricocheted off both posts and into the net. It was Isidor’s 12th goal of the season, and his quality suggested he could thrive at a higher level.
Leeds, unfamiliar with trailing at home, grew frustrated. Sunderland fans taunted them with chants, while Jayden Bogle’s booking for a rash tackle on Bellingham reflected the rising tension. Though Manor Solomon tried to spark a response, clear-cut chances remained elusive for the home side.
With time running out, a double substitution changed everything. Joe Rothwell delivered a pinpoint free-kick, and Struijk rose to power a header past Anthony Patterson. The equalizer energized Leeds, who pushed forward relentlessly.
As the match entered its final moments, Rothwell and Struijk combined again. A cross from Rothwell found the Dutch defender, whose close-range header sealed an extraordinary comeback in the 95th minute. The celebrations were wild, with the sound of I Predict a Riot blasting through the stadium.
The win extended Leeds’ unbeaten run to 15 league games and moved them two points ahead of Sheffield United at the top of the table. Their lead over third-placed Burnley grew to seven points, while Sunderland, despite an impressive performance, saw their familiar struggles with conceding late goals continue.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke, booked for his exuberant celebrations, acknowledged the difficulty of the match but praised his team’s resilience. He highlighted Sunderland’s counterattacking threat and emphasized the significance of the victory in their promotion push. Meanwhile, Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris took pride in his side’s effort but admitted they needed more squad depth to compete at the highest level.
As the dust settled, Leeds emerged victorious in a contest that, while lacking poetry, delivered high drama.
