"They are" - Simon Adingra makes Leeds United declaration with Whites admission after Sunderland draw
Simon Adingra’s fine strike had Sunderland on course for all three points against Leeds United at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland star Simon Adingra has served up Leeds United praise with a Whites admission on the back of Sunday’s 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have six players away at the Africa Cup of Nations but Ivorian winger Adingra was overlooked for selection and instead fired his side ahead against Leeds with 28 minutes on the clock.
The former Brighton star was picked out by Granit Xhaka’s reverse pass back into the box after Leeds attempted to clear a long throw and produced a brilliant strike into the top right corner for his first goal in a Black Cats shirt.
His strike had Sunderland on course for a sixth Premier League win of the season at the Stadium of Light but Leeds produced a very strong response despite losing Joe Rodon to injury after Adingra’s tackle and eventually drew level through Dominic Calvert-Lewin early in the second half.
The Whites then dominated the majority of the second half and Adingra admitted his men were left disappointed by the 1-1 draw as he also praised United’s talents as a side.
Speaking post-match to Sunderland club media, Adingra was asked for his thoughts on the performance and the game and admitted: “I think we are a little bit disappointed.
“They are a very good team”
"Of course we play at home. Leeds played very good, they are a very good team so I think we lacked a little bit of chances that we missed.
"For the following game, hopefully we take our chances and score. We want to make it difficult for teams when they come here.
"It doesn't matter about the team, when we play in front of our fans we always want to give more and more extra. That's why we want to give more to the fans and you help your teammate because we don't want to lose at home. I hope it's going to continue like this."
Reflecting on his 28th-minute opener and Granit Xhaka’s defence splitting through ball, Adingra said: “When Granit has the ball, I know he has quality.
“He sees these kinds of passes. I reacted quickly and he saw my movement. I had the first touch, I didn’t have to think twice.
“Obviously, you always want to score. Today was a good goal. I hope that this is just going to continue.”