LONDON, Oct 5, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - A late howler by Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier gifted English Championship leaders Sunderland a point in a 2-2 draw on Friday.

Sunderland took an early lead at the Stadium of Light through teenager Chris Rigg but Leeds levelled with Joel Piroe's header.

The visitors took the lead shortly after half time through Junior Firpo's low strike.

That looked to have sealed victory until Meslier allowed Alan Browne's deflected cross to bounce past him and spin into the net in the eighth minute of stoppage time.

"I thought the boys would be fuming (after his seemingly harmless ball into the penalty area) but the keeper chucked it in the net. I am almost embarrassed but I'll still claim it," said Browne.

"In the end we got the lucky break, whether we deserved it or not I am not sure. To be fair Leeds came at us. We didn't really open them up and create the chance we needed."

The result kept Sunderland on top of the table with a two-point lead over Burnley while Leeds moved into third, a point further back.