Simon Adingra fired the Black Cats into a deserved half-time lead, but the in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck early in the second period to restore parity and push Leeds further clear of the relegation zone.

Sunderland remain unbeaten at home since their return to the top flight, yet their squad has been severely weakened by the departure of six players to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Adingra, one of Ivory Coast’s standout performers in their AFCON triumph on home soil last year, was not selected for this edition. Sunderland benefited from that absence, as the former Brighton winger curled in his first goal for the club after meeting Granit Xhaka’s exquisite through ball on 28 minutes.

The hosts came close to extending their advantage before the break, with Brian Brobbey heading against the crossbar in first-half stoppage time.

Despite trailing, Leeds had been the better side for long spells of the opening half and came out flying after the restart.

Calvert-Lewin latched onto Brenden Aaronson’s low cross to score his eighth goal of the season, remarkably seven of them coming in his last six matches, underlining his excellent run of form.

The former Everton striker’s resurgence has been crucial in steering Leeds towards safety and has played a key role in keeping manager Daniel Farke in his job.

The German coach was reportedly close to dismissal before a five-game unbeaten run lifted Leeds to seven points clear of the bottom three.

For Sunderland, the draw meant a missed opportunity to leapfrog Manchester United and Chelsea, but they remain seventh, just four points off the top four.

Simon Adingra

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