Sunderland A.F.C. secured a priceless 1-0 victory at Leeds United F.C., as Habib Diarra’s controversial second-half penalty ended the Black Cats’ nine-match winless away run (D4, L5) in the Premier League and moved them onto the 40-point mark – all but guaranteeing their safety.

It was a baptism of fire for Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg, who made his debut at Elland Road in place of the injured Robin Roefs. Long-serving defender Luke O’Nien also skippered the side on his first Premier League start.

Leeds applied early pressure against a makeshift visiting defence but failed to properly test Ellborg. Instead, it was Karl Darlow who made the first meaningful save, palming away Eliezer Mayenda’s fierce strike midway through the half, though the forward had already been flagged offside.

The hosts continued to dominate possession, and Anton Stach came close to adding to his impressive tally of direct free-kick goals this season when he whipped a set-piece towards the bottom corner, only for Ellborg to get down sharply and push it away. Jayden Bogle later dragged a shot wide after Stach won the ball high up the pitch.

A low-quality first half gave way to a similarly scrappy start to the second period, with frustration growing among the home supporters. That frustration intensified just after the hour mark when two major VAR decisions went against Leeds.

Joe Rodon believed he had headed the hosts in front from Stach’s free-kick, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Moments later, Wilson Isidor’s effort struck the hand of Ethan Ampadu, and referee Stuart Attwell awarded a penalty after consulting the pitchside monitor.

Diarra stepped up and, although Darlow guessed correctly, the goalkeeper could only help the ball over the line as it squirmed through his grasp. The Sunderland midfielder celebrated his third goal in seven games across all competitions.

Leeds pushed hard for an equaliser. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came within inches of turning in Daniel James’ low cross, while Jaka Bijol struck the outside of the post from close range. Twelve minutes of stoppage time were added, but Sunderland’s defence held firm.

The result marked Sunderland’s fourth win in their last seven visits to Elland Road in all competitions (D2, L1) and just their third victory in 12 Premier League meetings between the sides (D1, L8). The Black Cats climb to 11th, while Leeds remain 15th, six points above the relegation zone after suffering successive top-flight home defeats for the first time since April 2023.