On Wearside, memories of Sunderland’s spectacular 1-0 triumph over Leeds United during the 1973 FA Cup final still linger, especially recalling Jimmy Montgomery’s extraordinary goalkeeping that day.
This week, Sunderland fans found a new hero in Melker Ellborg, a 22-year-old Swedish talent recently acquired from Malmo for £3 million. Making his debut as a stand-in for the injured Robin Roefs, Ellborg delivered a memorable performance that etched his name into the club’s lore.
Ellborg’s composure played a crucial role in securing a victory that propelled Regis Le Bris’ squad to a solid 40 points, while Leeds edged dangerously near the relegation zone.
Le Bris’ team clinched the win through sheer tenacity and steadfast defense, capitalizing on their sole shot on target. The decisive moment came in the 70th minute when midfielder Habib Diarra confidently converted from the penalty spot.
Leeds had a moment of hope snatched away when Joe Rodon’s header was disallowed for offside after a VAR review. Soon after, Welsh captain Ethan Ampadu was penalized for a handball following Wilson Isidor’s shot.
Sunderland debutant Melker Ellborg (centre) shone in goal during their 1-0 win at Leeds United
Habib Diarra scored the only goal of the game with a penalty in the second half for the visitors
Following another VAR assessment, referee Stuart Attwell awarded the penalty, and Diarra—who chose Sunderland over Leeds after leaving Strasbourg—coolly slotted the ball home.
Le Bris said: ‘Melker was just happy to play, which is more or less the mentality of the squad.
‘We are young – he is young – but he’s ready to play and he feels the support. And he did very well.
‘I told the players, if we win here, it means a lot. With their intensity, they had a good run, and they are a good team with a strong crowd, strong energy.
‘This place, if you win here, it feels a lot about the character, the intensity and the togetherness of the squad.’
Leeds boss Farke was left fuming after Saturday’s 1-0 home loss to Manchester City which saw him sent off for the first time in his managerial career.
The German, who was in the dugout here but looks set to serve a one-match touchline ban during Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie at home to Norwich, was beside himself again.
His men were left bitterly frustrated by Sunderland’s approach which saw them disrupt Leeds and prevent any real flow to the game.
Farke, who felt Sunderland captain Luke O’Nien’s first-half challenge on Pascal Struijk should have earned Leeds a penalty, said: ‘Sunderland are in their dressing room struggling to explain how they won the game.
‘Some crazy decisions went against us, but being self-critical, we need to be more brutal in front of goal.
‘It’s important that you are not in losing position against Sunderland.
‘Otherwise they are smart, if you want to label it smart, also in the game management and what happens makes it so difficult.’
Joe Rodon (left) thought he put Leeds ahead but his goal was ruled out for offside by VAR
During the first half, Anton Stach tried to curl a right-footed effort which drew a smart save from Ellborg, who dived to his right to push the ball away at the expense of a corner.
Yet Leeds appeared to have made the breakthrough in the 65th minute when Rodon headed in a Stach free-kick.
A VAR check confirmed the Wales defender was offside and it was not long before Sunderland pilfered the points.
Isidor hit a left-foot shot which Ampadu blocked, but a VAR check deemed he had handled, giving Diarra the chance to score from 12 yards.
Karl Darlow got something on Diarra’s spot-kick but it was not enough to keep the ball out of the net as Sunderland held on for a huge win.
