Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle react to Joe Rothwell message after Leeds United’s crucial win over Sunderland | OneFootball

Jayden Bogle and Joe Rodon were delighted with Joe Rothwell's contribution as Leeds came from behind to beat Sunderland.

Leeds United moved back to the top of the Championship after a dramatic late 2-1 win over promotion rivals Sunderland at Elland Road on Monday night.

The Whites went behind in the first half to a Wilson Isidor effort, and whilst they continued to dominate possession, they struggled to create too many clear opportunities.

However, Daniel Farke made the decision to bring on Pascal Struijk and Joe Rothwell, and it proved to be a masterstroke, with the defender flicking in an equaliser from a brilliant free-kick by the Bournemouth loanee in the 78th minute.

Joe Rothwell reacts to Leeds United’s win over Sunderland

The duo would then combine in the 95th minute, as Leeds kept the ball alive from a corner, for Rothwell to curl in another outstanding delivery, this time with his left-foot, and Struijk powered home the winner as the Yorkshire outfit took a big step towards promotion.

Taking to Instagram after the game, Rothwell reflected on the win, as he said ‘they’re always the sweetest ones’, as well as sharing images of the players celebrating with the fans.

And that brought a response from some of his teammates, who were clearly delighted with his contribution.

Joe Rodon reacted with a magic wand and star emoji, whilst full-back Jayden Bogle simply put ‘player’, with the pair clearly delighted at how Rothwell helped change the game in their favour.

Leeds United’s strength in depth helps them over the line

Credit has to go to Farke for his subs last night, as whilst Leeds had plenty of possession, they lacked that cutting edge, so he knew he had to try something different.

He didn’t bring Struijk on thinking he would get two goals, but he had obviously identified the midfield as an area that the hosts needed to improve.

Ao Tanaka has been outstanding this season, but he was average against the Black Cats, and Ilia Gruev also didn’t influence the game.

So, bringing Struijk on allowed Ethan Ampadu to push up, and the Welsh international, combined with Rothwell, gave Leeds energy in the final 20 minutes as they continued to search for a way back in the game.

Ultimately, the decisive moments came from set-plays, and it was Rothwell’s ability on the ball that was decisive, combined with Struijk’s aggression and ability in the air.

The equaliser was a terrific inswinging free-kick that just needed a glance, and Rothwell then put in another great ball, this time with his left-foot, for Struijk to get the winner.