Sunderland reach crucial 40 point target with gritty win at Leeds

The Black Cats claimed all three points thanks to a Habib Diarra penalty that should see them safe in the Premier League.

Règis Le Bris has been asked many times this season what Sunderland can achieve in their first season back in the Premier League. Each time the French Head Coach has replied saying that getting to 40 points is their first priority. Whilst that has been a slightly frustrating answer for some in the press room on Wearside, given how often it has been repeated, Le Bris’ stoic nature has been admirable.

Heading into their match at Elland Road, Sunderland finally had the opportunity to reach that target and effectively declare themselves safe in the Premier League for another season. To reach that target in March would be a huge accomplishment given how some had written the Black Cats off at the start of the season in August.

Sunderland have been the best of the newly promoted sides this season, with Burnley, despite some of their determination, likely to go back down, and Leeds still fighting for their survival. Daniel Farke’s side have been much more effective in the second half of the season, but even with Sunderland’s long injury list, the Black Cats got the job done.

It certainly was not a pretty affair, but such has been Sunderland’s determination this season, it was a “proud” night for the club, as Le Bris put it.

“I’m happy for the lads, happy for the staff, the club and the fans”, Le Bris said after the one-nil victory, clearly aware of just how significant these three points were in amongst all of the other points won during the campaign.

Sunderland’s unity has been vital this season, and it was again on show in this game. Le Bris referenced the “energy and togetherness” of his team that got them over the line at Elland Road. It may not have been a swashbuckling win, but it was one to remember.

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There was a distinct lack of quality in the first half. There were fouls aplenty and there was absolutely no flow to the game. Leeds were the side who looked to take the ascendancy, but they failed to test Sunderland’s debutant goalkeeper Melker Ellborg in any meaningful way.

It was a frustrating watch, given some of the play-acting, wasting of time, and the referee buying far too many soft fouls, whilst failing to spot the wrestling often occurring in the box.

On the subject of the latter, Sunderland’s captain for the night, Luke O’Nien, was extremely fortunate to not concede a penalty during the first period, as he flung his arm around the neck of Pascal Struijk. It’s something that is happening in almost every Premier League match at present, and referees’ failure to clamp down on it is not good for the sport.

That is an argument for another day, however, and on this occasion, O’Nien got away with his attempt at an RKO that Randy Orton would have been proud of. What it did show though, is that Sunderland’s makeshift back line were willing to do anything to not concede in this game. It was as if they were possessed. All they needed was a touch of fortune at the opposite end of the pitch, and they certainly got one in the second half.

Strangely enough, Sunderland’s winning goal came just minutes after the ball had been in their own net. Anton Stach whipped a free kick in from left of the box that was met at the back post by Joe Rodon. The Welshman simply helped the ball into the goal with his head, but his, and Leeds’ celebrations, were soon cut short by VAR ruling the goal offside. The replays showed that Rodon was well ahead of the defence.

Sunderland then went forward, and just as their attack looked to be coming to nothing, Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu handled the ball in the area. The movement of his arm toward the ball did not help his case, and after VAR told Stuart Attwell to go to the monitor, there was only going to be one outcome.

Up stepped Habib Diarra, scorer of a spot kick against Oxford United when Sunderland progressed against the Championship side in the FA Cup recently. The Senegal international’s penalty was poor, not one he will be proud of, but it found its way into the net despite Karl Darlow getting his legs to the effort.

This prompted Leeds to go all out in attack. On came a barrage of positive substitutions from Farke, as the Whites looked for the equaliser. However, it never really felt as if it would arrive. Leeds did increase their intensity going forward, but Ellborg was relatively comfortable between the sticks for Sunderland.

When the final whistle went after 12 minutes of additional time it was the confirmation that Sunderland were once again an established Premier League side. Régis Le Bris, who had overseen a summer of change following their promotion, had worked enough magic to stabilise the club in the top flight.

Le Bris may now answer questions of what can be achieved this season. He will also be pleased to know that League One Port Vale will be their opponents in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup. What is certain is that the Black Cats can now relax and enjoy whatever the rest of the season may bring.