Calvert-Lewin Strike Earns Leeds Draw at Sunderland

In-Form Calvert-Lewin Extends Streak as Leeds Draw 1-1 with Sunderland

Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck for the sixth consecutive Premier League match, earning Leeds United a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The result keeps Leeds on an upward trajectory while Sunderland maintain their unbeaten home record.

Calvert-Lewin Makes History for Leeds

Calvert-Lewin’s 47th-minute equaliser — the result of a beautiful 11-player team move — not only rescued a point but also etched his name into Leeds history. He became the first Leeds player since 1960 (John McCole) to score in six straight top-flight games.

The finish was a composed one, capping off a flowing attack with a low, clinical strike from Brenden Aaronson’s cutback. With this goal, Calvert-Lewin now has seven goals in his past six games, after scoring only once in his first ten.

“We’re seeing a striker full of confidence,” said Leeds boss Daniel Farke. “He’s crucial to how we play.”

Leeds Dominant After Early Setback

Despite starting brightly, Leeds found themselves behind in the 28th minute when Simon Adingra netted his first Sunderland goal with a curling finish after a slick assist from Granit Xhaka.

Leeds almost equalised before the break, but Trai Hume cleared Aaronson’s shot off the line. They made up for it soon after halftime, and dominated the second half, outshooting Sunderland 11-3 — but couldn’t find a winner.

The Whites remain 16th with 20 points, seven clear of the relegation zone, and are now unbeaten in five consecutive matches.

Sunderland Hold On but Miss Opportunity

Simon Adingra, left out of the Ivory Coast’s AFCON 2025 squad, showed why that decision could have been premature. His first-half goal was a confident reminder of his £21m potential, and he was Sunderland’s most dangerous outlet.

But the Black Cats, still missing key players to injury and international duty, faded after the break and failed to register a second-half shot on target. They will be disappointed after Brian Brobbey missed two golden chances late in the first half.

Manager Regis le Bris saw his side stay 7th in the table on 28 points, but warned of tougher tests ahead as injuries and depth become issues during the festive period.

Key Match Stats:

• Sunderland 1-1 Leeds United

• Goals: Adingra (28’) | Calvert-Lewin (47’)

• Shots: Sunderland 9 | Leeds 14

• Shots on target: Sunderland 3 | Leeds 5

• Possession: Sunderland 43% | Leeds 57%

What’s Next?

• Sunderland will host Manchester City on Thursday, 1 January at 20:00 GMT, aiming to protect their unbeaten home streak.

• Leeds United travel to Anfield to face Liverpool earlier on the same day at 17:30 GMT, hoping to extend their unbeaten run.