Sunderland secured a Premier League victory after Leeds conceded a second-half penalty.
Just over a year ago, Leeds scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner at home to Sunderland. This result put Leeds top of the Championship and left Sunderland facing the prospect of the play-offs.
Both sides went on to be promoted. Leeds as champions and Sunderland following victory against Sheffield United at Wembley.
However, Sunderland’s development has been impressive. Tuesday night’s win at Elland Road moved them on to 40 points. This is traditionally viewed as being enough to secure Premier League safety. Leeds are nine points short and still have work to do to stay up.
Reaching 40 points by early March is impressive for Sunderland. They have been a revelation on their top-flight return.
Michael Brown said on BBC Radio 5 live: “To achieve 40 points, you find a way away from home. To be where they are is sensational. Real top-quality season for Sunderland. They’ve got over the line.”
Diarra’s Penalty Secures the Win
Sunderland have won 10 of their 29 Premier League games so far this season.
A key part of Sunderland’s impressive season has been Granit Xhaka.
The former Arsenal midfielder was one of a number of summer signings the Black Cats made. He has arguably been the most influential, with his experience and leadership key in many games.
Having recently returned from injury, Xhaka started on the bench against Leeds before being introduced just before the hour mark. Sunderland improved after this point.
The 33-year-old provided a calming influence as his side ground out a first away success since October through Habib Diarra’s penalty. He helped them navigate 12 tense minutes of injury-time too.
Xhaka told TNT Sports afterwards: “We spoke at the beginning of the season, our target was 40 points, we achieved 40 points and now we want more because the hunger is big.
“We need to stay humble. We know where we come from. Our target was 40 points. When you achieve the first one, you want more. The hunger is here. We are taking it game by game, let’s see where we get.”
Le Bris Praised After Victory
As well as Xhaka, head coach Regis le Bris deserves huge credit.
The Frenchman has overseen some impressive results, the victory at Leeds included. He set them up to frustrate Leeds, but also make the most of the few attacking situations that came their way.
This was just the fifth Premier League game this season a team has won with just one shot on target. Sunderland now account for two of those.
Le Bris said on reaching 40 points: “We don’t know if it will be enough but it’s a good target.
“With nine more games to play we want to stay ambitious. The next target is 43, let’s be prepared for that. Let’s keep going.”
Leeds knew a victory would have taken them a huge step closer towards securing Premier League safety themselves.