Sunderland achieved a strong but decisive victory by 1-0 a Leeds United on Tuesday night, reaching the coveted 40-point mark in his debut Premier League season, and showing that they have no intention of stopping there.
A second-half penalty from Habib Diarra, awarded after Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu controlled a blocked shot from Wilson Isidor, proved the difference at a tense Elland Road. The finish itself was unconvincing – Diarra’s spot-kick clipped Karl Darlow on the hip before falling into the net – but the three points were anything but lucky.
Xhaka’s influence explains
For much of the night, Sunderland were second best, held back by a Leeds side that dominated possession and pace. Then, just before the hour mark, Granit Xhaka came off the bench, and the game changed.
The 33-year-old former Arsenal midfielder, recently back from injury, brought immediate firmness to Sunderland’s midfield. His composure helped the visitors endure a nervy 12 minutes of stoppage time and secure a first home win since October.
“We talked at the beginning of the season: our target was 40 points,” Xhaka said afterwards. “We got 40 points and now we want more, because the appetite is great. We know where we are coming from. We are taking it game by game.”
It is a remarkable achievement for a club that was in the Championship just twelve months ago.
The map of Le Bris
Head coach Régis Le Bris has been central to Sunderland’s history. The French manager organized his side to soak up Leeds’ pressure without conceding space, while making the most of limited attacking moments – Tuesday’s victory was just the fifth time this Premier League season that a team has won with just one shot on target, and Sunderland have now achieved the feat twice.
“We don’t know if it will be enough, but it’s a good goal,” Le Bris said of reaching 40 points. “With nine games to play, we want to stay ambitious. The next target is 43.”
Leeds were left with work to do
For Leeds, the defeat is a setback at a critical time. Daniel Farke’s side are still in 15th place, nine points below the safety benchmark already achieved by Sunderland. A win would have put them nine clear of the relegation zone; instead, Wednesday’s results could narrow that gap to just three.
Farke was measured but honest in his assessment. “We’re not too far off,” he said. “More is needed. It’s important not to lose your nerve. I would worry if the performance wasn’t there, yes. We have to act more brutally in front of goal.”
Leeds now face a string of tests – an FA Cup fifth-round home tie against Norwich this weekend, followed by a Premier League trip to Crystal Palace on March 15, a side currently four points and one place above them.
Two clubs, two careers
The contrast between these two promoted clubs could hardly be sharper. A year ago, Leeds’ stoppage-time winner at Elland Road left Sunderland staring at the play-offs. Both eventually went up: Leeds as champions, Sunderland via Wembley. Now, it is the Black Cats who have the breathing room, while Leeds struggle to avoid an immediate comeback.
Sunderland have been one of the stories of the Premier League season. With nine games left and wanting more, they haven’t finished writing it yet.
