Mike Dodds' tactical plan worked a treat as Sunderland came away from Elland Road with a credible point.

The Black Cats had opportunities in the first half through talisman Jack Clarke, but had to show a different side of their game with a resolute performance at one of the Championship's title challenges.

Timothee Pembele impressed for the Wearsiders on his first start for the club since his summer move from PSG.

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Here's the key talking points from Sunderland's defeat to Leeds United:

Timothee Pembele's first start for Sunderland

Sunderland supporters have had to wait until the 42nd game of the Championship to see Pembele start his first game for the club after joining from PSG. The Frenchman has made just five appearances for the Black Cats since his summer move, his last coming off the bench in the 1-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town in Michael Beale's penultimate game in charge.

The 21-year-old has been a regular for the Under-21s in that time, but has rarely looked like he's ready for the first-team set-up, particularly given Trai Hume's fine form. A change in shape handed him his first start in a back five, with the Northern Irishman moving infield to centre-half.

Pembele's opposite number - Crysencio Summerville - one of the best wide players in the Championship with 17 goals and eight assists in 38 second-tier appearances. That being said, the Dutchman operated in the pocket behind Sunderland's right-wing-back, with Hume the man tasked with keeping him quiet.

Pembele was the man to stop Junior Firpo's rampaging runs forward while also offering an outlet when the Black Cats attacked. To give credit where credit is due, Pembele did well down the right, causing the Whites problems with his pace in transitions, but he did tire as the game wore on. To be expected given his lack of game time this season. On the whole, it was a fine display from the full back before being replaced by Aji Alese.

Dodds reverting back to the winning formula

The Sunderland interim head coach didn't give much away tactically in his pre-match press conference, stating that much had changed since the last time the two sides met, citing the personnel he had available to him compared to the 1-0 win back in December. But, that was the first bluff from Dodds as he set the Black Cats up in that 3-4-3/ 5-3-2 that stood them in good stead in the first meeting between these two sides.

Jobe Bellingham's header was enough to win that game and it was the first real sign of Sunderland sitting off their opponents and handing over possession. The interim head coach was lauded for that tactical decision prior to Michael Beale's appointment, a result that probably played a part in him taking temporary charge until the end of the season.

We saw repeats of this against Swansea City and Leicester City and home - neither of which saw Sunderland come away with any points, but it's widely accepted the defeat to the Foxes was one of their better performances since the turn of the year. It was a cagey start to the game as you would expect, but Dodds' tactical blueprint to limit Leeds United playing the ball into Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev in the middle of the pitch worked a treat.

The hosts dominated possession, with 87 per cent of the ball in the opening ten minutes, the Wearsiders too sloppy when they won the ball back. That being said, it was the Black Cats who tested the opposition keeper more as the half wore on. When they did eventually get a foothold in the game, former Whites' winger Jack Clarke was Sunderland's main threat. As Dodds' side grew into the game, the home crowd grew more irritable.

Dan Neil was huge for the Wearsiders in the midfield engine room, showing composure when they needed it under pressure. A class act. A battling performance on the road albeit not threating much in the second half.

 

Sunderland ride their luck at times but another clean sheet

Elland Road is a difficult place to come whatever point in the season. But with the Whites in contention for the Championship title, unbeaten at home so far this season, the odds were seemingly stacked against Sunderland this evening.

That being said, Dodds' side picked up their fourth clean sheet in five games. Was the Blackburn game an anomaly after all? The Wearsiders had to ride their luck at times, with the offside flag saving Dan Ballard's blushes from giving away a penalty after bundling into the back of Dan James. A stonewaller had he stayed onside.

Sunderland will be pleased there was no VAR at Elland Road, with referee Tim Robinson missing O'Nien's handball from a Leeds United corner. The Black Cats captain had his arm aloft to contest the ball with Joe Rodon, the ball clearly hitting his hand, but fortunately nothing given.

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A platform to build on

Dodds said he'd made it clear to his players that they wouldn't play for Sunderland if they thought it was time to get the flip flops out and plan their summer holidays. On this evening's showing, a sign that message has sunk in. They've had their fair share of stick for their performances in recent weeks, but a point at Elland Road is a fine result. It must now be a platform to finish the season on a high ahead of this weekend's trip to West Brom.