Phil Smith's Sunderland AFC player ratings vs Leeds United with four sevens in narrow defeat | OneFootball

Sunderland were edged out by Premier League rivals Leeds United in their second US Tour friendly in New Jersey on Friday.

An early error opened the door for Lukas Nmecha to score from distance, and despite Régis Le Bris's team controlling long spells of possession, the Black Cats could not find a response. Sunderland Echo adds that several World Cup players returned to action for the first time this summer.

Goalkeeper Melker Ellborg was caught high and could not recover for the opener, and his distribution faltered as Leeds sat off and forced him long. He made a strong late save from Dan James. He was rated five.

Nordi Mukiele raided the right and delivered a couple of crosses that might have brought more on another day, while defending soundly. He looks in good order for the new season. He was rated seven.

Dan Ballard negotiated one awkward moment with neat footwork and otherwise dealt with his work without alarm. It was another useful 45 minutes in the legs. He was rated six.

Luke O'Nien sought to open play with attacking passes from deep, a couple narrowly missing. He was solid at the back. He was rated six.

Source: Sunderland Echo