{"id":1409677,"date":"2025-11-07T11:48:58","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T11:48:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&#038;p=1409677"},"modified":"2025-11-07T14:27:22","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T14:27:22","slug":"tactical-analysis-sunderland-vs-arsenal-granit-xhaka","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-sunderland-vs-arsenal-granit-xhaka\/","title":{"rendered":"Granit Xhaka analysis: Redemption, leadership, and Sunderland\u2019s surprise Premier League rise"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Granit Xhaka endured a rollercoaster relationship with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/arsenal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arsenal<\/a> supporters.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Swiss star gestured and swore at fans after his withdrawal in November 2019. Xhaka was subbed off on the hour mark in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. His reaction, though, came in for criticism from some quarters. \u201cI reached boiling point when I felt the rejection in the stadium on Sunday,\u201d the midfielder said afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>In this article, we&#8217;ll cover:<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-sunderland-s-coach-on-the-pitch\" data-level=\"3\">Sunderland&#8217;s coach on the pitch<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-distribution-key-for-reactive-sunderland\" data-level=\"3\">Distribution key for reactive Sunderland<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-off-ball-work-vital\" data-level=\"3\">Off-ball work vital<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-reunion-with-former-side-arsenal-looming\" data-level=\"3\">Reunion with former side Arsenal looming<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Xhaka\u2019s family had been targeted on social media, which understandably angered the 33-year-old. Xhaka, to his credit, turned his fortunes around Mikel Arteta. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMikel had two conversations with me and he convinced me to stay,\u201d Xhaka told <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/6776323\/2025\/11\/06\/xhaka-sunderland-arsenal-exclusive\/?source=twitteruk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Athletic<\/a> this week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His final season at the Emirates was one of his best for the club. In 2023, he departed for Bayer Leverkusen, inspiring the German side to a first league title in their history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And over the summer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/sunderland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sunderland<\/a> pulled off a coup in bringing Xhaka back to England. The Black Cats underwent a major overhaul following promotion. Xhaka was one of 14 new signings, not including Marc Guiu\u2019s short stint at the Stadium of Light. Such upheaval could have negatively impacted Sunderland\u2019s Premier League return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sunderland-s-coach-on-the-pitch\">Sunderland&#8217;s coach on the pitch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>However, they have thrived in the opening weeks of the season. Indeed, after 10 matches, Sunderland sit level with defending champions Liverpool on 18 points. They\u2019ve claimed notable results against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Chelsea. Wilson Isidor is scoring the key goals for the Black Cats. It\u2019s Xhaka, though, who is proving the star man for Sunderland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regis Le Bris identified Xhaka as a key man for Sunderland early on. Ahead of his debut Premier League season, the Frenchman named Xhaka as Sunderland captain. An experienced head in an inexperienced side, the decision made sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A player well versed in the league, and playing at the top level, Le Bris looked to Xhaka as a core leader of the group. And the choice of captain is already reaping the rewards. Xhaka has been referred to as a \u201ccoach on the pitch\u201d by Le Bris. In the opening weeks, he has three assists and one goal to his name. Those alone have delivered Sunderland an additional six points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-distribution-key-for-reactive-sunderland\">Distribution key for reactive Sunderland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet it\u2019s more than Xhaka\u2019s final third output that has caught the eye. In a Sunderland side that boasts the fourth lowest possession haul (44.1%), they need to get the ball forward quickly. This is where Xhaka comes into his own. He\u2019s renowned for his distribution, especially his range of passing. As such, it\u2019s hardly a surprise he ranks in the 80th-95th percentile for long passes completed per 90 minutes (5.2). Xhaka&#8217;s 13.5 final third passes completed per 90 also places the Sunderland skipper in the 80th-95th percentile.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/07113535\/SunderlandPasses_071125-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1409678\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/07113535\/SunderlandPasses_071125-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/07113535\/SunderlandPasses_071125-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/07113535\/SunderlandPasses_071125-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/07113535\/SunderlandPasses_071125-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/07113535\/SunderlandPasses_071125-214x267.jpg 214w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/07113535\/SunderlandPasses_071125-160x200.jpg 160w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/07113535\/SunderlandPasses_071125-48x60.jpg 48w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/07113535\/SunderlandPasses_071125-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/07113535\/SunderlandPasses_071125-32x40.jpg 32w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/07113535\/SunderlandPasses_071125.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Twenty-two percent of Sunderland\u2019s attacks, after all, come through the middle of the pitch, the lowest in the division. Getting Xhaka on the ball in the centre of the pitch is vital to the way Sunderland shift the ball to the flanks. This is due to the way Le Bris has set his side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Black Cats are more reactive than they were in the Championship last season. Le Bris recognised that Sunderland wouldn\u2019t be able to go toe-to-toe with the Premier League big hitters this season. The Black Cats would resemble road kill if they looked to control the tempo. Le Bris knows Sunderland\u2019s limitations and has turned this into a strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The desire to stretch the play also tires defenders out. The wingers remain high and wide, and this eventually opens up gaps. Sunderland have become masters of exploiting said gaps as fatigue sets in. They\u2019ve capitalised on lapses in concentration to great effect. A draw with Everton means they\u2019ve claimed more points from losing positions (8) than any other Premier League team this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-off-ball-work-vital\">Off-ball work vital<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Off the ball, too, Xhaka has excelled, but he\u2019s not recklessly charging into tackles. Two tackles per 90 ranks in the 60th-80th percentile. Conversely, 1.2 interceptions per 90 places in the 80th-95th percentile. He\u2019s won possession in the midfield third the seventh-most times (29) in the Premier League.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Switzerland international is instead maximising his experience and reading of the game to alleviate pressure on the Sunderland goal. The resolve has seen Sunderland ship just eight league goals this season. Only Saturday\u2019s opponents Arsenal (three) have conceded fewer.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"article-page__title\">Dabble sign-up offer: <b data-stringify-type=\"bold\">Bet \u00a310+ &amp; Receive \u00a310 In Free Bets<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>Not signed up to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/dabble-sign-up-offer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dabble<\/a> yet? Here's how to claim the <b data-stringify-type=\"bold\">Bet \u00a310+ &amp; Receive \u00a310 In Free Bets<\/b> welcome offer:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li>Sign up to Dabble through this <a href=\"\/en\/go\/dabble?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">link<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Register your account with accurate personal details<\/li>\r\n<li>Place your first bet of \u00a310 or more<\/li>\r\n<li>Receive your \u00a310 in free bets when your qualifying bet has setted<\/li>\r\n<li>Use your Free Bet on any eligible sportsbook market within 7 days<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/go\/dabble?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1423518 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-300x250.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-300x250.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-320x267.png 320w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-240x200.png 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-72x60.png 72w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-150x125.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-40x33.png 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822.png 712w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>#AD 18+ 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply.\u00a0<a class=\"c-link\" href=\"http:\/\/gambleaware.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"http:\/\/GambleAware.org\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">GambleAware.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is key for a few reasons. Notably, despite a low possession return, they are giving away few set pieces. Only Manchester City (8.9) are committing fewer fouls per 90 than Sunderland (9.2) in the Premier League this season. This means only Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton and Hove Albion (both one) have conceded fewer set-piece goals than Le Bris\u2019 side (two) in the 2025-26 Premier League season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By shirking a physical battle, Xhaka is then able to get the ball upfield far quicker. This increases the likelihood of Sunderland catching opponents on the counter attack. Both aspects will be of the utmost importance as Xhaka comes up against his former employers on Saturday evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-reunion-with-former-side-arsenal-looming\">Reunion with former side Arsenal looming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Arsenal\u2019s set-piece proficiency is well-documented. They\u2019ve scored 10 times from corners or free-kicks, more than any other Premier League team this season. Restricting the Gunners from maximising key route to goal is vital as Sunderland look to claim a huge scalp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, of the three goals Arsenal have conceded this season, only one has come from open play \u2013 an Erling Haaland strike at the Emirates in September. Sunderland themselves haven\u2019t been the most prolific this season. The 12 league goals they have scored is the fewest of the top-half teams. Even so, they have scored in eight of 10 league games and have the means to suckerpunch Arsenal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Arteta\u2019s side rank third for possession (58.3%) in the Premier League this season. They will dominate at the Stadium of Light. This plays into Sunderland\u2019s hands. The Black Cats saw less of the ball in four of their five league wins this season. A late home victory over Brentford was the exception to the rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSaturday will be special, for sure, because I am now on the opposite side, against them for the first time,\u201d Xhaka continued with the Athletic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If Sunderland remain compact, frustrate the Gunners and look to their skipper to maximise his range of passing, then the Black Cats may just claim a significant result this weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football betting tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Granit Xhaka endured a rollercoaster relationship with Arsenal supporters. The Swiss star gestured and swore at fans after his withdrawal in November 2019. Xhaka was subbed off on the hour mark in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. His reaction, though, came in for criticism from some quarters. \u201cI reached boiling point when I felt&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3564,"featured_media":1409682,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Granit Xhaka has reinvented himself at Sunderland, leading their Premier League surge with leadership, vision, and tactical brilliance.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"features-category":[],"class_list":["post-1409677","features","type-features","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Granit Xhaka analysis: Redemption, leadership, and Sunderland\u2019s surprise Premier League rise | Squawka | EN<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" 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