Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris used Elland Road past before beating Leeds United — YEP 3/3/26
By Graham Smyth
The Black Cats frustrated Leeds United with a smash-and-grab
win on Tuesday.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris reminded his players of their
previous Elland Road experience prior to a 1-0 smash and grab win over Leeds
United.
Thirteen months after they conceded a 95th-minute goal to
lose 2-1 in the Championship, the Black Cats defended their way to three points
and revenge over the Whites. Though they created little and set up to frustrate
the hosts, Sunderland took the lead with a second half penalty and then fought
for their lives to guard their net.
"Very proud," said Le Bris, whose side moved to
the 40-point mark with the win. "Happy for the lads, the staff, the club
and the fans. This win away at Leeds means a lot. It was a question of energy,
togetherness, intensity. I think we defended really well. The first half was
brilliant pressing wise. They went long often. It was important to win the
first and second balls. We weren't brilliant with the ball. A game without
oxygen and in a game like that you always have one or two opportunities and the
question was to seize it and we did that."
Debutant keeper Melker Ellborg had just a couple of saves to
make but impressed his boss, who was without seven regulars through injury. He
reserved special praise for his centre-backs Dan Ballard and Omar Alderete too.
"They were impressive, back to their best level,"
he said. "They had a tough period around the festive period. But after
that I think now they have a good energy and we definitely need strong
centre-backs for throw-ins, direct play. Calvert-Lewin is brilliant in the air
so if you're not ready to fight with good technique...
"[Ellborg] did really well. First game with us, it was
a quick decision because Robin got this injury. From day one he showed he
wanted to learn, connect with the squad and he showed he was ready."
Le Bris admitted that the heartbreak they suffered on their
last visit to Elland Road was in his mind as he prepared his players for this
encounter.
"I had this feeling just at the end," he said.
"At the end of the pre-game presentation I told the players if we win here
it means a lot. We have this memory, we know it's a tough place, with their
intensity. They've had a good run, they're a good team, strong crowd, strong
energy. If you win here it means a lot about the togetherness and character of
the squad."
Though Sunderland could normally consider themselves safe on
40 points, Le Bris says they cannot think that way this season.
