Granit Xhaka full of praise for what Sunderland teammate did vs Aston Villa
Sunderland’s brilliant start to the season continued following their 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Captain Granit Xhaka was superb throughout the match, leading 10-man Sunderland to maintain their unbeaten home record in the Premier League.
Reinildo was sent off for a kick out at Matty Cash, who then compiled further misery on the Black Cats as his dipping strike evaded Robin Roefs.
However, Regis Le Bris’ side persevered and grabbed an equaliser through Wilson Isidor.
Xhaka praised one of his teammates for the brilliant impact they had on the game, as the Switzerland star continues to impress on the big stage.
Granit Xhaka praises Wilson Isidor for his performance vs Villa
Xhaka’s deft header over the Villa backline found Isidor, who emphatically finished past Emiliano Martinez.
Isidor made Premier League history as he became the first player to score in each of a newly-promoted side’s first three home games of the season.
Xhaka has spoken about how effective Isidor was against Villa, especially after the red card.
“I saw the ball coming to me, and I saw Wilson was ready for the second ball,” he said via the Sunderland Echo.
“I’m so happy for him to score as well because the effort he put in for this team was unbelievable.
“I’m so happy he’s part of this team and scoring goals, because we know the strikers need the numbers. I’m very happy for him.”
Having scored two late goals against West Ham and Brentford, Isidor didn’t leave it quite as late on Sunday to make his mark on the game.
| Goals | 3 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.02 |
| Shots | 13 |
| Shots on target | 5 |
The French striker has been incredibly successful since joining Sunderland on loan last season from Zenit St. Petersburg.
Now a permanent Sunderland player, Isidor is really starting to make a name for himself at the Stadium of Light.
Wilson Isidor nails down starting spot for Sunderland
Sunderland signed Brian Brobbey on deadline day for a huge fee of £21.6m, with fans expecting him to start for the Mackems.
Isidor was benched for the Black Cats’ first three games, with Eliezer Mayenda preferred instead.
However, his super-sub displays left Le Bris with little choice but to start him, and Isidor’s goal against Villa has certainly repaid his manager’s faith.
If you take into account the decision to bring in the since-recalled Marc Guiu on loan, Isidor has faced a lot of competition for that starting spot up front.
However, it is now clear to see that no one can take that away from him as he looks to make more history under Le Bris.
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