'Finally!' - Gabriel Gudmundsson opens up on 'special' Leeds United feeling after Elland Road goal
The Leeds United summer signing opened his account during Sunday's FA Cup win over Norwich City.
Gabriel Gudmundsson was delighted to finally open his Leeds United account in front of his own fans during Sunday’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Norwich City.
Gudmundsson scored Leeds’ second goal of the game at the end of the first-half, stabbing home from around the penalty spot after Daniel James’ cross deflected into his path. Sean Longstaff had put the Whites ahead with a brilliant spin and volley while Joel Piroe added the third on 85 minutes, finishing a swift counter-attack.
A first goal in Leeds colours was just what Gudmundsson deserved too, following another outstanding performance down his left-hand side. It was the kind of performance Elland Road has seen most weeks from their £10million summer signing but with an added bonus this time in the form of end-product.
“Finally!” Gudmundsson said of his first Whites strike. “I had a good couple of chances in many games so I am happy about scoring that goal. You know, especially here at Elland Road, it is a special feeling. But again, the most important is what we are doing today and we go for the win.
“DJ [James] made a very good job on his side. So I know that as soon as he gets the ball, just take yourself into the box and he will deliver that ball. And luckily the ball came through me and I just had to put it in.”
Gudmundsson’s goal sent a feeling of job done around Elland Road and their Premier League quality was clear against an in-form Norwich who struggled to make any real impact. A relatively even opening swayed Leeds’ way when Lukas Nmecha saw a goal disallowed through VAR for handball by Willy Gnonto.
Nmecha could also easily have had a penalty for a push in the back when about to finish a cross, but this time VAR decided against recommending an on-field review. Leeds seem to keep falling on the wrong side of 50/50 decisions recently but didn’t let it halt their momentum, Longstaff finishing brilliantly and Gudmundsson poking home.
Leeds United squad looking forward to quarter-final draw
Piroe’s lovely finish secured the victory and capped off a brilliant performance from Leeds’ fringe squad following a disappointing week in the Premier League. The squad can now look forward to being in this evening’s quarter-final draw for the first time since 2002/03.
“The most important was the win today,” Gudmundsson added. “Obviously, we played Sunderland, it was not the best game so we really wanted to bounce back and show the fans that we are here.
“Of course, Norwich is a good team. They made it difficult for us a couple of times, especially in the second half but, again, 3-0, a good way to go forward. We will see what the draw will be and we will be there.”
Leeds could draw lower-league opposition again in the quarter-final, with League One Port Vale and Championship Southampton in the draw. Other than that, it will be all-Premier League with Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal also through. West Ham and Brentford face off for the final place this evening.