Leeds United picked up their first win of pre-season overnight, beating Sunderland 1-0. Lukas Nmecha scored the only goal of the game but it was his new teammate Tarik Muharemovic who impressed.
The Whites went ahead in rathe unusual fashion 25 minutes in, with Nmecha capitalising on some poor positioning from Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg to squeeze an effort in from 40 yards. The Black Cats’ best chance of the opening 45 fell to Brian Brobbey but he scuffed an effort from Reinildo’s cross.
Leeds made six substitutions during the break and Sunderland changed most of their team around the hour-mark as the game started to break up, with half-chances for Daniel James and Anton Stach. In the end, the Whites defended well to keep their clean sheet and enjoy a first win of pre-season.
Here are the player ratings...
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1. GK: Alex Cairns
6 - Alive to potential threats without being seriously tested. One save late on that was very comfortable. Not always accurate with his long distribution. | Getty Images
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2. CB: Joe Rodon
7 - Got wiped out by Brobbey on a rare Sunderland attack. Got forward to support forward moves. Good in the air. | Getty Images
3. CB: Sebastiaan Bornauw
7 - Didn't look completely comfortable on the ball in the first half but was solid. Got his body in to deal with a few dangerous attacks. | Getty Images
4. CB: Tarik Muharemovic
8 - Looked sharp in his first 45 minutes. Good on the ball and defended smartly. Very much in control in the second half. Read it well. Impressive first showing. | Getty Images
5. RWB: Jayden Bogle
7 - Got forward well, put a couple of decent balls into the box in the first half. Looked up for it physically. Always an option for the ball. | AFP via Getty Images
6. CM: Sean Longstaff
6 - Buzzed around, tried to get involved. Unable to make the same impact as he did against Wrexham. Looked frustrated with the ref. | AFP via Getty Images