Granit Xhaka rubs salt into Tottenham’s wounds with latest Sunderland display
Granit Xhaka dominated the midfield in Sunderland’s latest win at home against Tottenham.
Sunderland saw their European chances boosted signficantly on Sunday afternoon, with Nordi Mukiele scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win against relegation-threatened Spurs.
With that said, it was a deserved victory for the Black Cats, who put an end to their winless run at the Stadium of Light.
Several players once again showed their worth against Roberto De Zerbi’s side, though certainly some more than the others.
And one who dominated the game was Xhaka, which would have been a sore sight for Tottenham supporters.
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Granit Xhaka’s game by numbers
Given his historical ties with Arsenal, Spurs fans wasted no time in booing the Swiss international, though all that did was bring the best out of him, as we have seen several times this season.
The Swiss general consistently got the better of Spurs’ midfield, and had it not been for a shot that whistled whiskers wide of the upright, he would have got his just reward.
| vs Tottenham | Xhaka |
| Pass accuracy | 85% |
| Ground duel win rate | 78% |
| Tackles | 5 |
| Clearances | 2 |
| Recoveries | 9 |
Xhaka completed 55 passes against the North Londoners, which was the second-most of anyone on the pitch behind Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven.
He completed 60 per cent of his long balls and 50 per cent of his attempted crosses, showing his ability in various situations on the ball.
But the biggest difference maker was his effort off the ball, as showcased by the fact that he won seven of his nine ground duels.
Spurs couldn’t get a tune out of him all afternoon, and to see a former Arsenal star run a game like that will do nothing to ease their frustrations.
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Xhaka’s importance is often lost at Sunderland
When he plays, it’s only right to focus on how well he has performed for Sunderland, and more often than not, he is one of the best players on the pitch.
But what very rarely gets the attention it deserves is just how often he brings out the best of those around him, and in particular, Noah Sadiki.
The DR Congo international also had a phenomenal game, and much of that is owed to the responsibility Xhaka takes upon himself defensively.
Having seen how performance level dips when Xhaka is not available, Regis Le Bris will be hoping he can stay fit ahead of the final six games of the season, with European football still well and truly in sight for the Black Cats.
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