Enzo Le Fee makes big claim after helping Sunderland earn battling point

Chronicle Live · Clive Youlton

The midfielder converted an 82nd-minute penalty to cancel out Vitaly Janelt’s second-half opener, scoring his first goal of the season.

Le Fee felt Sunderland could have been ahead by more at half-time after creating a number of opportunities, but was pleased with the character shown after falling behind.

“We knew it would be a tough game and we knew we had to fight,” he told safc.com. “It’s a tough place to win three points, maybe the toughest place to come in the Premier League.

“The first half we showed our ambition. I was a bit disappointed because in the first half we should have scored two or three goals, but our reaction after going a goal down was impressive.”

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He added: “We didn’t give up. I think even after we equalised we kept going to win the game, and we can be proud.”

The penalty also carried extra significance for Le Fee, who missed from the spot in the corresponding fixture last season. However, he was brave enough and cool enough to step up and convert after having the kick on his mind all week.

“To be honest, I was thinking about taking a penalty all week and was ready,” he revealed. “I had bad memories, but it showed my character to score the penalty.

“I really wanted to take a penalty here, and now I can leave it behind me. I was ready to score. It was the same scenario as last year, a bit later in the game, but I like this type of pressure.”

Overall is he pleased with Sunderland’s start? “I think we wanted more points,” he said. “ Today we should win but to follow up a win at home with a draw is good, even though we want more.”

Kevin Danso made his Sunderland debut after joining on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur, while Malick Fofana and Dayann Méthalie were named among the substitutes for the first time.

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