Leeds United returned to the Championship’s automated promotion locations however have been left annoyed by Sunderland in a goalless stalemate.

Sunderland, who had solely received considered one of their final 10 matches, beat Leeds earlier within the season on the Stadium of Gentle and have been once more in a position to stymie the Whites defensively.

There was a penalty shout in both half, first when Dan Ballard leaned his elbow towards Crysencio Summerville’s effort from the sting of the field.

Sunderland skipper Luke O’Nien dealt with a cross for the second, however neither infringement was picked up by referee Tim Robinson.

Leaders Leicester’s defeat by Millwall gave Leeds followers some cheer, however Ipswich can change them within the automated spots in the event that they decide up a degree or extra towards Watford on Wednesday.

Sunderland’s centre-half pairing, away from the penalty shouts, have been a formidable barrier to Leeds, and disrupted the rhythm of their typical fluid and prolific ahead line.

Northern Eire worldwide Ballard was a continuing thorn in Patrick Bamford’s aspect, incomes himself a reserving for the strong remedy dished out, whereas O’Nien swept away a number of deliveries from Dan James and Summerville together with his head and toes.

Jack Clarke had the perfect of the probabilities for Sunderland, twice testing Ilian Meslier after drifting inside, and so they did have spells towards the top of the primary half the place they’d ample possession.

Meslier needed to be alert to beat away Patrick Roberts’ free-kick, whereas Ethan Ampadu needed to be sharp to chop out a Clarke cross after Sunderland broke via the strains.

Leeds had loads of ball however struggled to get in behind, and have been diminished to pot-shots from distance.

Georginio Rutter hit a thunderous effort which whistled large early on, whereas Summerville’s free-kick rippled the aspect netting after he did not hook it in from the sting of the field.

Whereas Farke was indignant sufficient to pose inquiries to referee Robinson at full-time, Leeds did a minimum of acquire a degree on an evening the place they lacked their typical sparkle.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke instructed BBC Radio Leeds:

“We did not create sufficient clear-cut possibilities, which is disappointing, and the one disappointing factor as a result of it was the one motive we did not win this recreation.

“After simply being there with a draw, the general feeling is annoyed, as a result of we had the prospect to make a significant step within the desk and in addition with our factors tally.

“I am happy with a number of issues on this recreation, compared with Coventry, we have been again to manage and dominating fully and we had actually good defensive behaviour.

“We did not lose our nerves, put a number of strain on them, created plenty of set-pieces. We have been unlucky with a number of choices. It was a transparent handball within the first half ought to have been the penalty and the second half it was additionally a transparent handball and will have been a penalty.”

Sunderland interim boss Mike Dodds instructed BBC Radio Newcastle:

“The out of possession stuff I believed we have been actually good with, we clearly performed them earlier within the 12 months and nullified them then, they’d one shot heading in the right direction which is an achievement based mostly on the Premier League expertise they’ve on the high finish of the pitch.

“Our in possession stuff wasn’t ok, we have to be higher with the ball and we would have made it a way more comfy night for ourselves.

“That is 4 clear sheets in 5 now. If we will enhance in-possession, we’re a match for anybody within the league.”