Leeds United star makes stark admission after ‘comical’ Premier League incident
Leeds United have made an encouraging start to the season on their return to the Premier League.
The Whites were tipped by many people to struggle in the top flight, but they have already shown that they are capable of going toe-to-toe with teams who firmly established at the level.
Leeds turned in a promising display against Tottenham at Elland Road last weekend, as they created plenty of chances against a team who are playing Champions League football this term.
However, it has been a bizarre moment that occurred during the defeat to Fulham back in September that has put plenty of eyes on Daniel Farke’s men so far.
Gabriel Gudmundsson admits ‘relief’ after ‘comical’ Fulham own goal
Gabriel Gudmundsson has been one of Leeds’ standout performers so far this term, and he has already been outlined by Graham Smyth as one of their signings of the summer.
The West Yorkshire outfit didn’t even bother to line up alternatives if they failed to land the Swede, such was their desire to secure his signature, and he has already proven why.
The left-back has earned plaudits for his resolute defensive style and reading of the game, and has started in all seven Premier League games so far this term.
| Stats (per game) | Gudmundsson Total |
| Minutes | 87 |
| Touches | 59.9 |
| Accurate Passes | 28.3 (80%) |
| Duels Won | 4.9 (45%) |
| Tackles | 2.1 |
| Interceptions | 0.9 |
However, the defining moment of his time at Elland Road so far has arguably been his bizarre stoppage-time own goal in the 1-0 defeat at Fulham back in September.
The 26-year-old managed to angle a misjudged defensive header perfectly into the corner of Karl Darlow’s net in the dying embers of the game to hand all three points to the hosts.
Gudmundsson has now admitted that the pain of scoring that own goal was lifted by the “relief” of his team winning on their next outing.
“Of course it hurt right then and there,” the defender told Swedish outlet Aftonbladet.
“But it was a new day the next day and a new match the weekend after, where we put in a very good performance. It was very nice, a relief.
“I don’t think I’d ever score in the offensive box like that, actually. It was a bit comical.”
Gabriel Gudmundsson could have crucial role in Leeds’ survival
Farke showed strong faith in Gudmundsson by handing him another start away at Wolves the week after his mishap, and he was rewarded with another strong showing from the former Lille man.
He joined from the French side for a fee of around £10million during the summer transfer window, and he already looks to be one of the Whites’ strongest signings this year.
They needed an influential replacement for Junior Firpo after he departed at the end of last season, and they certainly appear to have secured that in Gudmundsson.
He is calm, reliable and capable going both ways, essentially everything that you would want from a modern-day full-back in the Premier League.
Leeds look set to face a long, hard slog to try and beat the drop, but if they can remain above the dreaded dotted line, then Gudmundsson will likely have been a major part of that.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Leeds United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @motleedsnews