Sunderland’s under-21 side were back in Premier League 2 action on Monday evening as they faced Leeds United under the lights, with several familiar first-team names included in the starting XI.
Head coach Graeme Murty handed minutes to senior squad players, including Milan Aleksic, Abdoullah Ba and Ahmed Abdullahi, as the Black Cats looked to continue their development pathway while maintaining competitiveness at under-21 level.
For Aleksic and Ba in particular, the fixture offered valuable game time, while Abdullahi led the line after returning from injury as Sunderland looked to test themselves against strong opposition from West Yorkshire. Sunderland won the contest 5-2 in a game in which they dominated for large periods.
Here’s how each Sunderland player performed against Leeds United U21s in the Premier League 2 at Eppletwo CW:
1. Joe Cowan
Joe Cowan got the nod in goal by Graeme Murty and produced a good save in the first half to keep Sunderland a goal to the good. Impressed with the ball at his feet throughout. Couldn't do much to prevent either of Leeds United's goals. 7 | Ben Cuthbertson. Photo: Ben Cuthbertson.
2. Jenson Jones
Jenson Jones started at right-back and overlapped Abdoullah Ba well during the first half. Played a lovely ball over to the left wing for Sunderland's second goal just after half-time. Assisted Sunderland's fifth goal. A really strong performance from the young full-back. 9 | Jenson Jones
3. Finlay Holcroft
Finlay Holcroft started in the centre of Sunderland's defence and looked strong throughout. Didn't have all that much to do but stepped up well when needed. 7 Photo: Ben Cuthbertson
4. Ben Kindon
Ben Kindon started at centre-back and produced a goal-saving intervention in the first half. Pretty imposing throughout the game in what was a string Sunderland display. 7 | Ben Kindon