Leeds United star eyes Sunderland 'revenge' after last season frustration
Leeds United are yet to beat Sunderland since their return to the Premier League.
Leeds United defender Gabriel Gudmundsson is eyeing ‘revenge’ at Sunderland on Sunday with last season’s trip still fresh in the memory.
The Whites came from a goal down to draw 1-1 at the Stadium of Light last December but went behind against the run of play and dominated proceedings. In the return fixture at Elland Road, Leeds were denied a clear penalty when Luke O’Nien fouled Pascal Struijk as a Habib Diarra spot-kick handed the Black Cats a 1-0 win.
Gudmundsson and his teammates travel to the Stadium of Light in good form, losing just once in the Premier League this season while hosts Sunderland have struggled to get going. The Swede is under no illusions it will be another difficult assignment this weekend but hopes Leeds can get what they deserve this time round.
“It’s going to be a challenge but we definitely want to get some revenge for the last time we were there,” Gudmundsson told BBC Radio Leeds. “I think we were the better team and should have won that game.
“We really want to go there and get something out of it because it would be massive for us going to Bournemouth the weekend after, also a tough away game.”
Alongside their superior form, Leeds have been able to spend all week preparing for Sunday while their hosts’ focus has only just turned to the weekend. Sunderland drew 1-1 away to Lech Poznan in the Europa League on Thursday night with a quick turnaround and flight back home to manage.
Gudmundsson has experience of managing European football, having played in the Champions League and Europa Conference League with Lille before joining Leeds. The left-back admits it can be difficult but warned against anyone thinking Sunderland will roll over on Sunday.
“I look at it like that a little bit because I come from France when you play in the Champions League and then play league games,” he added. “It's difficult sometimes to switch.
“But Sunderland at their home is always difficult to deal with, we know that. We need to be really strong.”