Phil Smith: Key takeaways as Sunderland lose 1-0 to Leeds United in New Jersey | OneFootball

Sunderland lost 1-0 to Leeds United in New Jersey on Friday. According to Sunderland Echo, it was a taxing night but not one that should prompt panic.

Leeds sat off from the start, inviting long spells of possession. The opener came when Farke’s side punished a loose Enzo Le Fée pass, Lukas Nmecha catching Melker Ellborg off his line. After Le Bris made hour-mark changes, a more experienced Leeds XI briefly dictated before Sunderland saw more of the ball.

Sunderland’s build-up showed promise, with overlaps and wingers drifting infield, yet the final action lacked conviction. Crosses from good areas found forwards on a different wavelength. They could also be bolder by committing more bodies into the box while keeping their structure.

Pre-season minutes outweighed the result. The US tour has begun with two defeats, but Sunderland also lost five friendlies last year and still started fast when it mattered. Le Bris managed workloads, using Habib Diarra as the anchor, Timur Tutierov up front and Simon Adingra on the right as frequent changes disrupted rhythm until the last 10 minutes, while Reinildo and Nordi Mukiele looked solid.

Adingra’s World Cup return was encouraging even if his pathway appears blocked by Nilson Angulo and by Chemsdine Talbi likely playing more on the left. He drifted inside to aid combinations and, when wide, delivered well, one cross nodded just past the post by Trey Ogunsuyi. Staying sharp could help secure a move, and performances like this might give Le Bris pause.

Source: Sunderland Echo