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:
9. Milan Aleksic
Milan Aleksic started on the left-hand side of Sunderland's attack but switched roles with attacking midfielder Jack Whittaker fairly often. Forced a good save by Leeds United's goalkeeper with 25 minutes played. Came off with 28 minutes to play. 7 | Milan Aleksic
10. Jack Whittaker
Jack Whittaker started as Sunderland's number 10 at Eppleton but often switched with Milan Aleksic. The young midfielder carried the ball extremely well through the lines. Showed some clever feet before getting a shot away just before half-time, though it just crept over the crossbar. Did well to get a shot away in the box, which led to Sunderland's third goal of the evening, then scored the Black Cats' fourth goal with a smart finish with 13 minutes left to play. 9 | Jack Whittaker
11. Ahmed Abdullahi
Ahmed Abdullahi started up front and scored Sunderland's opening goal after just three minutes with a good run and neat finish. Netted Sunderland's third and his second of the evening with an instinctive finish after 57 minutes. Looked really sharp, generally. Hugely encouraging to see the young striker back from a lengthy injury lay-off. Replaced at 62 minutes. 9 | Getty Images
12. Finn Geragusian
Finn Geragusian came on at half-time for Abdoullah Ba on the right-hand side of Sunderland's attack. Beat his man a couple of times and looked lively. Set Sunderland's fourth goal of the evening up with a clever pass. 8 | Finn Geragusian