Granit Xhaka makes admission as he sends message to Sunderland fans after loss vs Man United
Sunderland suffered a second defeat of the Premier League season following a 2-0 loss to Man United on Saturday.
The Black Cats were punished for poor defending in the first half, with Benjamin Sesko and Mason Mount’s goals securing all three points for the Red Devils.
Sunderland will feel aggrieved by refereeing decisions, with Stuart Attwell overturning the decision to award Sunderland a penalty following Sesko’s challenge on Trai Hume.
Ultimately, Sunderland lacked quality in the final third against Man United, with the match marking the third time this season that Sunderland have failed to score away from home.
Granit Xhaka speaks out after Man United loss
Granit Xhaka has been an unbelievable signing for Sunderland this season, with the Switzerland international’s experience proving to be invaluable in the middle of the pitch.
The 32-year-old nearly scored his first goal for the club against Man United, with his long-range effort stinging the gloves of goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
After the match, he posted a message on Instagram addressing the loss, which said: “A disappointing afternoon but we’ll keep fighting. Thank you all for your amazing support!”
| Games played | 7 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Pass accuracy (percentage) | 83.8 |
| Long ball accuracy (percentage) | 60.7 |
| Chances created | 9 |
| Touches | 511 |
Xhaka has not only been a driving force in midfield but also Sunderland’s creative outlet, with the midfielder registering three assists in his first seven Premier League games.
Xhaka spent seven years at Arsenal, winning the FA Cup and FA Community Shield in both 2017 and 2020.
He later moved to Bayer Leverkusen, where he was part of the team that completed a historic unbeaten domestic double.
Sunderland have signed a hugely talented player, and whilst he couldn’t change the outcome of Saturday’s match, Xhaka’s mentality in the dressing room will shine through as the Black Cats look to bounce back after the international break.
Xhaka isn’t the only player to have spoken out online after the Man United loss, with Omar Alderete doing the same.
Omar Alderete also delivers message after the Old Trafford defeat
In Sunderland’s last away match, Alderete scored the winning goal against Nottingham Forest, with the Paraguayan’s defensive performances finally getting recognition.
He also took to Instagram following the defeat to address the disappointing result: “It wasn’t the match we were expecting! We competed but the things were not given today. We will work to improve and correct mistakes! See you on the next one.”
Alongside Nordi Mukiele, Alderete has been aerially dominant in both boxes, with the 28-year-old adapting brilliantly to life in the Premier League.
Saturday was a blip in what has been a fantastic start to the season for the Black Cats, and results away to Man United will not define their season come May.
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