Sam Greenwood, on loan from Leeds United, opened the score for Middlesbrough against ten-man Sunderland.
Sam Greenwood, a Leeds United loanee, fulfilled a career ‘dream’ on Saturday, but it may not have gone as well as he had hoped as a child. Following a slew of Leed arrivals at the tail end of the transfer window, the 21-year-old joined Middlesbrough on loan this summer, making his debut for Michael Carrick’s side in Tuesday night’s triumph over Cardiff City.
The Sunderland-born kid progressed through the Black Cats junior system before joining Arsenal for a two-year stay, with a move to Leeds following in 2020. When he was picked to the Boro squad to face his hometown club in Saturday’s early kick-off, it was the fulfillment of a childhood ambition, as he finally got to go out onto the Stadium.
It was the fulfillment of a childhood goal for him to step out onto the Stadium of Light pitch, albeit in a rival shirt, in Saturday’s early encounter.
The game itself featured two of the Championship’s most in-form teams, with Boro finally finding their feet following a slow start to the season, and the hosts riding high in the playoff spots. The two teams were even in the first half, but a red card for Black Cats midfielder Dan Neil in first-half stoppage time changed the outc
Greenwood was the first to take advantage, attacking just before the hour, his clever finish beating Anthony Patterson at the near post. Matt Crooks, Isaiah Jones, and Marcus Forss scored to give Boro the Wear-Tees bragging rights, achieving their biggest-ever away win against the Black Cats.
Greenwood, who did not celebrate his goal, stated after the game that it was ‘strange’ to score against the team he grew up loving. “It felt a bit weird to be fair, but I’m just happy we got the three points and we can keep pushing now,” he told Sky Sports at the time.
Greenwood was the first to take advantage, approaching just before the hour and past Anthony Patterson at the near post with a brilliant finish. Boro the Wear-Tees won their biggest-ever away win against the Black Cats thanks to goals from Matt Crooks, Isaiah Jones, and Marcus Forss.
Greenwood, who did not celebrate his goal, said afterward that it was’ strange’ to score against the team he grew up rooting for. “To be honest, it felt a little strange, but I’m just glad we got the three points and we can keep pushing now,” he told Sky Sports at the time.
Greenwood’s family was likewise divided, with his father sitting in the away end throughout the 4-0 rout.
“Yeah, he’s always supported me, so I think he’ll be a little scattered.” It felt strange, which is why I didn’t rejoice, but I’m thrilled we got three points and can continue on.”
Greenwood is on loan to Boro for the season, with his Leeds United contract expiring in the summer of 2026.
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