Premier League
7:30 p.mMarch 3, 2026
Regular season – 29
Elland Road
Referee: Stuart Attwell, England
Leeds
Sunderland
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.04
Expected Goals (xG)
0.86
Passing by
445 (83%)
Accurate passes
142 (62%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
26
G
Karl Darlow
6.9
3
d
Gabriel Gudmundsson
6.7
5
d
Pascal Struijk
6.7
6
d
Joe Rodon
6.7
24
d
James Justin
6.7
11
m
Brendan Aaronson
6.3
44
m
Ilia Gruev
6.5
4
m
Ethan Ampadu (C)
7.0
18
m
Anton Stach
7.3
2
m
Jayden Bogle
6.0
9
F
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
6.6
31
G
Melker Ellborg
6.9
32
d
Bring out Hume
7.3
d
Omar Alderete
63′ Stumbled
5
d
Daniel Ballard
6.9
d
Luke O’Nien (C)
45+2′ Game delay
27
m
Noah Sadiki
6.3
6
m
Lotharel Geertruida
6.2
28
m
Enzo The Fairy
6.9
m
Habib Diarra
58′ rough70′
10
m
Nelson Angle
6.6
12
F
Eliezer Mayenda
6.2
Premier League Ranking – Premier League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Relegation – Championship
Sunderland stole a vital 1-0 win at Elland Road, with Habib Diarra’s second-half penalty proving the difference against a frustrated Leeds.
On 3 March 2026, Sunderland recorded an emphatic 1–0 win over Leeds at Elland Road. Habib Diarra’s penalty in the 70th minute secured three crucial points for the visitors.
Both teams went into this Premier League clash looking to improve their mid-table standings. Leeds, in 15th place with 31 points, looked to find consistency. Sunderland, 12th with 37 points, tried to climb further away from the relegation zone.
The first half saw Leeds dominate possession, controlling 70% of the ball. However, they struggled to break down a well organized Sunderland defence.
Leeds created several half chances but their shots often failed to test Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg. The home side’s efforts were either blocked or wide of the mark.
Sunderland’s disciplined approach led to a physical contest. L. O’Nien received the first yellow card of the game in the 45th minute for delaying the game.
At half-time, the score remained tied at 0-0. Leeds needed to find more creativity in the final third. Sunderland, meanwhile, would have been content with their defensive resilience.
The second half started with tactical changes. Sunderland introduced E. Mayenda and L. Geertruida to strengthen their midfield and attack. Leeds responded with I. Gruev coming on.
Sunderland continued their strong play, earning two quick yellow cards for H. Diarra (58th minute) and O. Alderete (63rd minute). Moments later, Leeds thought they had scored when J. Rodon found the marker, but VAR ruled out the goal for offside, to the dismay of the home crowd.
The decisive moment came in the 70th minute. Sunderland won a penalty and Habib Diarra stepped up to confidently convert the spot-kick to give the Black Cats the lead.
Leeds pushed hard for an equaliser, making multiple substitutions including J. Justin, B. Aaronson, J. Bogle and G. Gudmundsson. However, his attempts were unsuccessful against Sunderland’s staunch defence. W. Gnonto received a yellow card for a foul in the 90th minute.
Although Leeds had 70% possession and 14 shots in total, only three were on target. His expected goals (xG) stood at 1.04. Sunderland, with just 30% possession and a single shot on target, cruised to victory, with their xG at 0.86 showing remarkable efficiency.
This vital 1-0 win at home sees Sunderland strengthen their position in mid-table. For Leeds, the result intensifies the pressure to turn dominance into goals as they remain in a precarious 15th place.
