SUNDERLAND 0, LEEDS UNITED 2
LEEDS UNITED made it six consecutive Premiership victories over Sunderland despite being reduced to ten men midway through the second half at the Stadium of Light.
Striker Alan Smith, who headed the Yorkshiremen in front in the 32nd minute was shown the red card in the 71st minute after twice being booked for fouls.
Sunderland, beaten only once before at home in the Premiership this season, put the United goal under seige after Smith's dismissal, but could not get an equaliser and Leeds made sure of a deserved victory when Australian striker Mark Viduka scored from eight yards in the 90th minute after substitute Robbie Keane laid on the simplest of chances.
Sunderland, who claimed Leeds central defender should have been sent off in the first half for a professional foul on England striker Kevin Phillips, tried their best to break down a tight United defence and their best chance fell to Argentinian Julio Arca, who blasted a shot over from 12 yards in the 73rd minute.
The victory hoisted Leeds to third place, while Sunderland's hopes of European qualification took a dent as they slipped to sixth.
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