Goals from Cameron Jessup and Ethan Kachosa were enough to hand Sunderland their first points in Group E of the Premier League Cup against a Leeds U23 team playing a division above the Wearsiders in the Premier League 2.
Elliott Dickman’s men were looking to bounce back in Group E after a disappointing 3-0 loss to Mansfield Town U23 in their opening game of the competition early last month.
Since that defeat, Sunderland had only won once, against West Brom last weekend, in their following four Premier League 2 fixtures.
Dickman’s starting XI was notable for the inclusion of 23-year-old first-team defender Arbenit Xhemajli following his return from a lengthy knee injury.
Sunderland writer James Copley has delivered his verdict on how each player fared at the Stadium of Light:
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13. Tom Scott
Replaced Stephen Wearne in the centre of the park for the second half. Very energetic in a tough second half under the cosh for Sunderland. 6. Photo: FRANK REID 2021
14. Henry Fieldson
Came on in the second half to partner Cameron Jessop and produced a great block to deny a Leeds equaliser from an overhead kick and defended well in the circumstances. 7. Photo: FRANK REID 2021