Trafford keeps Leeds scoreless at Sunderland as hosts stay bottom of the table

A goalless draw in blustery conditions

Sunderland remain bottom of the Premier League after a 0-0 draw with Leeds United at the Stadium of Light on 25 October, which ended their run of four successive league defeats. Strong winds linked to Storm Boelo made the match hard to play, and neither side created many clear chances. Both shots on target in a goalless first half came from Sunderland, with Brian Brobbey denied twice by Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford.

Leeds had their best attacking moments after the interval. Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs stopped a Tarik Muharemovic header from a corner and a low drive from Ao Tanaka. Roefs also kept out substitute Sean Longstaff in the 90th minute, preserving a point for the hosts.

Trafford's saves and his record

Trafford made four saves in total, twice against Brobbey in the first half and twice against Nilson Angulo after the break. He arrived from Manchester City this summer in a club-record deal worth up to £45million ($60m). According to Opta, his save percentage of 82 per cent is the highest of any Premier League goalkeeper this season. Leeds have conceded only six goals in the Premier League this season, and only Arsenal have conceded fewer.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke said after the match, at his post-match press conference, that the winds were so strong he likened them to a tornado.

“I wouldn't say there was an unbelievable, world-class save, but several good saves.”

Farke added that the performance showed why Leeds were so keen to sign the goalkeeper.

“He has shown why we were so desperate to sign him.”

Injuries and late tension

Sunderland's Nordi Mukiele could not continue after being accidentally caught in the throat by an elbow from Luke O'Nien in the second half. Omar Alderete came off the bench to replace him, while Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris watched anxiously from the touchline.

Table position and next fixture

After eight matchdays Sunderland have five points and sit bottom of the table, while Leeds are seventh with 11 points.

Leeds United11

Sunderland5

Leeds United

11 points

Sunderland

5 points

Data from the article text

This was Leeds' fifth draw in eight league matches. Sunderland are two points adrift of 17th-placed Crystal Palace. Sunderland's next match is a visit to Coventry on Saturday, 31 October.