Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored for a sixth consecutive Premier League game as Leeds denied Sunderland a place in the top five with a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Simon Adingra fired the Black Cats into a halftime lead, but the in-form Calvert-Lewin levelled early in the second period to pull Leeds further clear of the relegation zone.
Sunderland are still yet to lose at home on their return to the top flight but have been severely depleted by the departure of six players to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Adingra was one of the Ivory Coast's key men in winning the Afcon on home soil last year, but was not selected this time.
Sunderland were grateful for that decision as the former Brighton winger curled in his first goal for the club from Granit Xhaka's fine through ball on 28 minutes.
Brian Brobbey headed against the crossbar in first-half stoppage time with the chance to double Sunderland's lead.
But Leeds had been the better side for large spells of the first period and started the second with a bang.
Calvert-Lewin latched onto Brenden Aaronson's low cross for his eighth goal of the season, seven of which have come in the last six games.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin right now 💪💪
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) December 28, 2025
He has scored in six consecutive Premier League matches for the first time in his career 👏
📺 Stream #SUNLEE on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQWD1K pic.twitter.com/Fwb9pWAiHC
The former Everton striker's form has played a major role in edging Leeds towards safety and keeping his manager Daniel Farke in a job.
The German was reportedly on the brink of being dismissed prior to a five-game unbeaten run that has taken Leeds seven points clear of the bottom three.
Sunderland missed the chance to leapfrog Manchester United and Chelsea but sit seventh, just four points outside the top four.