ANALYSIS

rather than challenging to get there first. It showed where his confidence was – or rather was not.

Not that he was the only culprit. Lamine Kone was not the rock-solid presence of previous games, beaten to the ball as he came out to get it. When it fell to Alioski, Galloway was booked for his foul.

Although his next tackle on Alioski was clean and assured, the tide had not turned.

It was surprising to see Galloway back for the second half but nothing really changed and 10 minutes in, he was withdrawn.

Adam Matthews settled things down but it was from that byline the ball was pulled back for Stuart Dallas to head the second goal.

Galloway (right) has been sent on loan by Everton precisely because he needs to learn more about the game and this was an important if tough lesson.

IF Leeds United provided Sunderland’s biggest examination of Simon Grayson’s early days, no one was under the microscope more than Brendan Galloway.

Galloway and Ty Browning are on season-long loans and while both have shown promise, the left-back’s performances have been more mixed.

Zimbabwe-born Galloway can certainly contribute going forward, as he showed when fed by Didier Ndong in the sixth minute. He served up a cross begging to be finished but Lewis Grabban could not quite stretch to it.

On Wednesday, Galloway had made some good interventions and showed he could read a game like Browning, but there have been moments when he has been exposed by speedy right-wingers.

Too often in those situations he does not keep his hands to himself. When he tangled with Ezgjan Aliosiki as the Macedo- nian got in front and stayed in front of him, Andy Davies was not interested in Leeds’ penalty claims. Galloway has been involved in a few appeals this season and at some point one will go against him.

Coping with Alioski, all fast feet and trickery, was easier said than done and Galloway could not. There was a reason all Leeds’ first-half attacks came down his side.

It was no surprise when that avenue provided a goal, Leeds taking a throw-in shortly after Grabban hit the bar, and Alioski finding Samuel Saiz to drill past Jason Steele. Galloway looked rattled. Alioski beat him easily five minutes later but his cross was too close to Steele. When Lee Cattermole lost possession, Galloway was caught upfield, allowing his nemesis in behind. The shot was weak and wide.

As Felix Wiedwald humped a long ball, Galloway dropped off, letting Alioski get on with it