'The hunger is big' - Sunderland want more after reaching 40 points
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By reaching 40 points with victory at Leeds on Tuesday, Sunderland have pretty much ensured Premier League survival by early March.
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'The hunger is big' - Sunderland want more after reaching 40 points By Gary Rose BBC Sport journalist at Elland Road Published 4 minutes ago Comments Just over a year ago, Leeds scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner at home to Sunderland to go top of the Championship and leave the Black Cats facing the prospect of the play-offs. Both sides went on to be promoted - Leeds as champions and Sunderland following victory against Sheffield United at Wembley. But so impressive has been the Black Cats' development since that Tuesday night's win at Elland Road moved them on to 40 points - the tally traditionally viewed as being enough to secure Premier League safety - while Leeds are nine short and still have work to do to stay up. To get to this point by early March is hugely impressive for Sunderland , who have been a revelation on their top-flight return. "To achieve 40 points, you find a way away from home," former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown said on BBC Radio 5 live. "To be where they are is sensational. Real top-quality season for Sunderland . They've got over the line." Diarra penalty hands Sunderland win at Leeds Black Cats show battling qualities A key part in Sunderland 's impressive season has been Granit Xhaka. The former Arsenal midfielder was one of a number of summer signings the Black Cats made, but has arguably been the most influential, with his experience and leadership key in many games. Having recently returned from injury, Xhaka started on the bench against Leeds before being introduced just before the hour mark - and it was no coincidence Sunderland improved, having been second best until that point. The 33-year-old provided a calming influence as his side ground out a first away success since October through Habib Diarra's penalty, helping them navigate 12 tense minutes of injury-time too. Xhaka told TNT Sports afterwards: "We spoke at the beginning of the season, our target was 40 points, we achieved 40 points and now we want more because ...
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