Granit Xhaka mocks Leeds player after what just happened to Sunderland star with Switzerland
Granit Xhaka has defended the decision to award Switzerland a penalty in their 4-1 victory over Sweden on Saturday.
Xhaka was one of ten Sunderland players called up for the November international break.
The Premier League pause couldn’t have come at a better time for Regis Le Bris after Sunderland’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal lifted them to fourth in the Premier League.
Xhaka has been excellent for Sunderland and seems to have maintained his stellar form when on international duty, even mocking rivals along the way.
Granit Xhaka mocks Gabriel Gudmundsson’s mistake for Sweden
Xhaka has been everywhere in the midfield for the Black Cats this season, and that was no different in Switzerland’s 4-1 win over Sweden on Saturday.
The two sides were level at 1-1 before the Sunderland star netted a penalty in the 60th minute, which was followed by goals from Dan Ndoye and Johan Manzambi.
Controversy arose after the game, with fans questioning whether Switzerland’s penalty was deserved.
But Xhaka didn’t have much time for any outside noise, pointing out Leeds star Gabriel Gudmundsson’s back-pass mistake in the build-up.
“It’s difficult to talk about because I’m not a referee and I haven’t seen the situation again,” the Switzerland captain said via Sportbladet on 15 November.
“He decided to award a penalty, but before that, they made their own mistake. Sometimes it’s better to focus on what you yourself could have done better than to shout at the referee, says the Swiss.”
Leeds United star Gudmundsson made a poor back pass to keeper Viktor Johansson, which was intercepted by Breel Embolo before the penalty call.
But with three goals scored from open play, Xhaka would’ve thought it was another deserved win, with or without the penalty.
How did Granit Xhaka perform against Sweden?
Xhaka was one of Switzerland’s best performers on the pitch on 15 November, like he so often has been for Sunderland this season.
- His passes were 84 per cent accurate
- Xhaka won 100 per cent of his aerial duels and 75 per cent of his ground duels
- He made 10 recoveries
The midfielder also made one interception, and his dribbles were 100 per cent successful, according to Sofascore.
Xhaka has been Le Bris’ most used outfield player in the Premier League this season and started all five games in the World Cup Qualifiers.
Given his stellar performances, it is easy to see why he has become such an important player for both club and country.
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