Jobe Bellingham's 'compete' verdict on Leeds United after Stadium of Light wondergoal
Jobe Bellingham described the Stadium of Light as “a fortress” after his first goal of the season helped Sunderland maintain their 100 per cent home record, against Derby County.
The midfielder was on the scoresheet with a stunning strike alongside Wilson Isidor as the Lads returned to the summit of the Championship.
Bellingham is on a high after the Black Cats won their first four home games of the season without conceding a goal for the first time in their history.
Speaking to safa.com he said: “At the start of the season we spoke about it and wanted the stadium to become a fortress. I think we’ve shown we are really organised in games and the fans have definitely helped. When we have to dig deep the supporters get right behind us and the goal becomes protected. They got us over the line in the Burnley game and the Boro games especially. To keep four clean sheets at home is also a big bonus.”
He continued: “I’ve probably got to be a bit more mature and disciplined, but I also enjoy getting up and down the pitch, which I still have the licence to do. Off the ball I can make tackles and be a bit more deep and I don’t mind that.
“I think my all-round game has definitely improved from last year – the one part that was missing was the best part from last year which is arriving in the box. “That’s something I want to keep doing. I don’t want that to leave my game because that’s how you impact the outcome of the game and help your team. I want to keep scoring goals but it’s not the be all and end all if we’re winning games which we are. I’m really glad I can help the team in other departments as well.”
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It’s Leeds United on Friday and he added: “This [Derby] was a different challenge to what that will be like. As we know Leeds are really good opposition so we are going to face the challenge and get through it together as a team and with the fans, who will be a massive boost.
“Leeds are a really good team with really good players and were right up there last season which is where we want to be. We have to go and compete against those types of teams and at home it’s a real advantage.”