Granit Xhaka sends new social media message after Sunderland win vs Leeds United
Granit Xhaka has toasted his Sunderland side after their 1-0 win at Leeds United.
Sunderland went into the game without a host of key players but still managed to come out on top thanks to Habib Diarra’s 70th-minute penalty at Elland Road on Tuesday.
Regis Le Bris‘ team had under 30 per cent possession, three shots to Leeds’ 18, and debutant goalkeeper Melker Ellborg made four saves to Karl Darlow’s none.
But the Stadium of Light outfit came away with all three points to hit the 40-point park in the Premier League.
Sunderland’s top-flight safety is practically secured and after the match, captain Xhaka could not hold back his delight.
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Granit Xhaka hails Sunderland’s ‘character’ in Leeds United win
Midfielder Xhaka returned from an ankle injury against Fulham on 22 February, before starting in Sunderland’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth last Saturday.
The Swiss international came off the bench shortly before the hour mark against Leeds and added an extra layer of solidity to Sunderland’s rearguard.
For this encounter, the Mackems were without Romaine Mundle, Brian Brobbey, Reinildo, Dennis Cirkin, Robin Roefs, and more, but still got the win.
And this led former Arsenal man Xhaka to put in an Instagram post: “Three points. Clean sheet. Big character shown tonight.”
Sunderland did ride their luck at times against Leeds. The hosts felt they should have been awarded a penalty for Luke O’Nien’s holding of Pascal Struijk in the box.
And while Leeds had an Expected Goals tally of 1.16 versus Sunderland’s 0.86, the home team couldn’t break down the visitors’ stubborn resolve.
With their league status virtually assured, Sunderland fans may start dreaming of European football, with seventh-placed Brentford just four points ahead.
Sunderland end remarkable barren spell
Sunderland’s third victory in their last 13 league games means fans can likely start preparing for another campaign in the top flight.
One man who has been key to their superb season is defender Dan Ballard, who was a colossus at the back against Leeds.
The Northern Ireland international did his best impression of a brick wall as he dealt with practically every danger that came his way.
In doing so, Sunderland ended their March madness hoodoo.
Prior to the Leeds victory, Sunderland had been been winless in 17 previous Premier League games during March since beating Queens Park Rangers in 2012.
Now, they have ended that barren spell. Next up, Sunderland return to FA Cup action on Sunday away to League One side Port Vale.
A place in the quarter-finals is on the line, so Sunderland will likely name a strong line-up for this one.
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