Black Cats end Leeds' run

Kevin Phillips milks the applause from his team-mates

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Sunderland 2-0 Leeds

Leeds were kept off the top of the Premiership as their unbeaten run came to a grinding halt at the Stadium of Light.

England striker Kevin Phillips ended his four-game goal drought to top off a whirlwind eight minutes for the Black Cats as they took control of the game.

Julio Arca fired Sunderland ahead three minutes into the second-half, pouncing after England keeper Nigel Martyn could only parry Jason McAteer's powerful shot.

The penalty incident was a disgrace. But they took their chances, we didn't take ours

David O'Leary

Sunderland's faithful strike partnership wrapped up the points eight minutes later.

Niall Quinn cushioned a long cross off his chest into the path of Phillips who bent his half-volley around Martyn's dive from the edge of the box.

It gave Sunderland their first Premiership win over Leeds, and their first home victory in 21 years over the Elland Road side.

The win eased the pressure on Sunderland boss Peter Reid, whose side had won just once in nine games.

Sunderland's Julio Arca battles with Olivier Dacourt

It also confirmed Leeds' boss David O'Leary's worse fears that his side would struggle to cope without Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell and Lee Bowyer.

Leeds left the Stadium of Light knowing they had enough chances to have won the game, especially in the first-half.

Sunderland keeper Thomas Sorensen twice denied Robbie Keane, once when the Irish striker was clean through.

It's a standard we have to maintain and hopefully it is a result which will kick start our season

Peter Reid

The Danish keeper also denied Alan Smith as Leeds staged a late rally to try and preserve their record.

Keane's miserable afternoon took another downturn on 68 minutes when he was booked for diving by referee Graham Barber.

Replays suggested showed he should have been awarded a penalty.

Minutes later Jason McAteer rattled the Leeds' crossbar with a 25-yard free-kick.

Leeds late rally saw Seth Johnson - making his first start since his £9m move from Derby - warm Sorensen's hands with a stinging drive.

But the Wearsider held out to avoid defeat against United for the first time in 12 attempts.

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Sunderland: Sorensen, Haas, Thome, Williams, Gray, Arca, McCann, Thirlwell, McAteer, Quinn, Phillips. Subs: Macho, Schwarz, Butler, Laslandes, McCartney.

Leeds: Martyn, Harte, Matteo, Ferdinand, Mills, Johnson, Dacourt, Bakke, Batty, Smith, Keane. Subs: Kelly, McPhail, Wilcox, Duberry, Robinson.

Referee: G Barber (Tring)