Both home side Sunderland and visitors Leeds United came in to Saturday evening’s Championship affair with unbeaten records thus far in the season.
However, only the away side came away with that record still intact after a 0-2 win against the Black Cats in the Stadium of Light. Here are three thoughts:
Who Saiz you need him?
All those that believe Leeds’ promotion hopes hinge solely on the status of Chris Wood should take heed. The New Zealand man has just about been replaced by the Spaniard Samu Saiz, who once again was up to the task in another impressive display. After two sub-standard matches as a club, Saiz and co. hit back against the recently relegated side here.
Saiz got them off and running in the 21st minute, opening the scoring for what would prove to be an impressive win, after a rocket of a finish that was rifled in after playing a 1-2 with fellow new boy Ezgjan Alioski.
Saiz would add an assist later on with a laser-like cross to Stuart Dallas, who made no mistake with his header. Would Leeds like to have Wood? Of course. But do they absolutely have to have him? Not necessarily, by the looks of things so far!
Alioski pivotal
His name might not be plastered everywhere at the top of pundits’ lists, but the true hero of this side today was Ezgjan Alioski. The 25 year old Macedonian has instantly made an impact with his new team, and he is the one that is helping Saiz create the reputation that he has so far been able to carve out.
Alioski assisted on the first goal, but he was also a crucial part of the second, playing the famous pass before the pass. It won’t go down in the books as an assist, but it won’t matter. It’s just as effective. If you want a comparison, think about Luka Modric: a great passing midfielder that gets the ball to his danger men. Alioski is that for Leeds, and it is paying off.
Whites unrattled
With news filtering out that striker Chris Wood was refusing to play in the match, few would have blamed the Whites had they performed in a poor manner. However, they did not let the absence of the apparently soon-to-be-departing striker bother them at all.
Instead, they produced a professional display in a tough ground, and they earned three points against a team that could prove to be a direct rival for a promotion place down the line. This kind of play in the face of adversity should be commended, and it will set them up well as the Championship always throws up challenges that many other leagues simply do not offer.
