Leeds United 2-1 Sunderland: FLW report as Struijk and Rothwell combine late to keep Whites top — Football League World 17/2/25

By Alfie Burns

Pascal Struijk stepped off the bench to score a brace for Leeds United and secure a dramatic three points against fellow promotion chasers, Sunderland, at Elland Road.

Leeds had trailed to Wilson Isidor's first-half strike, which at one point looked like it might give Sunderland a huge result in the race for automatic promotion in the Championship.

However, Struijk's header from Joe Rothwell's free-kick brought Leeds late parity and the same duo combined deep into five minutes of stoppage time to turn the game on its head, sending Daniel Farke's side back two points clear at the top of the division.

Sunderland created the game's first big chances inside the opening two minutes, with Enzo Le Fee leading the charge down the left before teeing up Jobe Bellingham. His deflected shot was saved by Illan Meslier, who then reacted quickest to deny Patrick Roberts on the rebound.

Regis Le Bris watched his side then repel half-an-hour of Leeds pressure - albeit the home side couldn't call Anthony Patterson into any meaningful action - before delivering a blow on the break.

Dan Ballard's pass down the channel was all Wilson Isidor needed to isolate Ethan Ampadu, bully the Leeds captain before finishing across Meslier and off the Frenchman's far post; question marks of offside were dismissed instantly, with the striker's run timed to perfection.

Trai Hume volleyed firmly at Meslier at the start of the second-half, before Leeds tried to turn the screw, going the closest through Ao Tanaka's curling effort from the edge of the penalty area but, ultimately, still struggling to force the commanding Patterson into too much work.

Joel Piroe changed that, unleashing a shot that Patterson parried to keep Leeds out.

Leeds needed something different, though, and got it from Daniel Farke's bench through Joe Rothwell's drive from midfield and his set-piece delivery, onto the head of fellow substitute, Pascal Struijk, for 1-1.

That goal looked like it would edge Leeds back ahead of Sheffield United at the top of the Championship, yet there was a twist as Farke's subs combined once more to send them clear.

There was a stroke of luck as Rothwell collected the second phase of the corner, but the midfielder's composure to lose his man and curl the ball onto Struijk's head again was superb. The Dutchman made no mistake from yards out to send Elland Road wild.

Daniel Farke reaction

Leeds boss dubs late win "the best" you can have

Farke commented on the win: "These are the best wins that you can have.

"7-0 and 4-0 when everything is easy, it's nice and relaxed, but these types of wins when it's two really good sides in a tight game. You have to fight, grind and dig in. In the end, a well deserved win but a tight win in the last second of the game.

"These types of wins are the best in football. The best for the supporters, for the whole group, with the staff and players. The biggest emotions to win these three priceless points in this manner.

"It's a great night for everyone connected with Leeds United."

On Joe Rothwell, who set up both Struijk goals: "We don't have to speak about the ability of Joe Rothwell. Joe is a pure baller.

"With the ball, he is one of the best players in this country. If you enjoy football, you enjoy watching Joe Rothwell playing football. What he does with his right-foot, in terms of passing, technique, tidy touches, it's outstanding."

Regis Le Bris reaction

Sunderland boss concedes Leeds built unstoppable momentum

Le Bris on Sunderland's defeat: "It's tough in the end to concede this second goal.

"Our first half was good, we played good football in and out of possession. I think it was fair to score that goal and win the first half.

"The second half was more difficult. Leeds built strong momentum and found a solution to break the dynamic. With the crowd and energy of the stadium, it was always increasing. Even with our subs, we didn't find a way to break this energy.

"We can be proud of our way of playing - in the first half especially. Even in the second half, because we were brave as a team but without the small details which can change the dynamic of the game."