Promotion in the Championship is defined on small margins. The difference between an extra year in England's 2nd division compared to a tilt at top-flight football is minimal and that was evident when promotion-chasing Leeds United and Sunderland clashed at the Stadium of Light.
As the game ticked into the 7th minute of injury-time it seemed like Daniel Farke's Leeds side where taking all 3 points back to West Yorkshire until goalkeeper Illan Meslier produced what can only be described as a howler to gift Sunderland an equaliser and a share of the spoils.
Having taken a 9th minute lead through youngster Chris Rigg, Sunderland looked on course to continue their good run of form until conceding goals from Leeds duo Joe Piroe and Junior Firpo. The Black Cats found themselves 2-1 down with half an hour to play.
From then on, it looked as if Leeds had done enough to secure the three points and return to the top of the league after 9 matches had been played.
Until French goalkeeper Meslier had a moment to forget.
History will likely record this as the most memorable goal Alan Browne ever scored, even if few will know he scored it.
Meslier experienced a Bill Buckner moment in the Sunderland-Leeds game tonight.
How does that happen?pic.twitter.com/3oAju6QASa— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) October 4, 2024
The costly mistake gifted a goal to Irishman Alan Browne, that he more than happily accepted.
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Alan Browne "Embarrassed" By Crazy Leeds Keeper Mistake
Announced on Friday afternoon, Ireland's Alan Browne was left out of Heimir Hallgrímsson squad for the upcoming internationals against Finland and Greece, Josh Cullen, Finn Azaz and Jack Taylor all come into a congested looking midfield ahead of the crucial fixtures.
The injury plagued 29-year-old has been in and out of the Sunderland team this season after his move from Preston North End this summer but came on as a 73rd minute sub for goalscorer Rigg.
Despite being on the periphery of the match had a part to play in the bizarre and dramatic late equaliser.
The boys would've been fuming at me after hitting it (the pass), The keeper chucked it in the net so fair play to him
I'm almost embarrassed, but I'll still claim it.
"The keeper chucked it in the net so fair play to him"
Alan Browne and Chris Rigg react to a dramatic end to Sunderland vs Leeds 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/kXpbfLV8rO— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 4, 2024
With the match finishing as a draw, Sunderland remain at the top of the Championship but with a long season to go there'll be many twists and turns before we find out who will feature in the Premier League next season.
