Kyle Newbould: Three takeaways as Leeds United edge Sunderland 1-0 in New Jersey | OneFootball

Leeds United claimed their first pre-season win at the second attempt, beating Sunderland 1-0 in New Jersey as Lukas Nmecha struck early from distance and a disciplined display secured the clean sheet.

Opponents Sunderland fashioned openings but seldom made them count. As reported by yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, three key takeaways emerged from the night.

A total of 21 Leeds players were used, the entire outfield group changed and only goalkeeper Alex Cairns completed 90 minutes.

Joe Rodon captained at the Sports Illustrated Stadium. With Pascal Struijk now at Brighton, Ethan Ampadu’s deputy is unconfirmed and Daniel Farke appeared to hint at Rodon. Ampadu was on the bench, Leeds otherwise went strong with Callum Mills the only academy starter.

New £34million centre-back Tarik Muharemovic debuted and impressed, arguably the standout performer.

Leeds lacked fluency in attack. Nmecha’s winner came after Ao Tanaka dispossessed Le Fee in the Sunderland half and the ball ricocheted to the striker, rather than from crafted build-up.

Farke lacked Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor, Wilson is still settling, and the attack looked flat. Daniel James wasted good chances and neither Joel Piroe nor Willy Gnonto had much impact.

Leeds look solid defensively, particularly if a £40m move for James Trafford is completed, but beyond Wilson, Okafor and Calvert-Lewin they are short up front. The window runs for another month.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk