Granit Xhaka takes swipe at Chelsea with brilliant new admission on Sunderland fans
Granit Xhaka has praised Sunderland fans for their away support against Chelsea in the Premier League.
Sunderland shocked in a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League in late October.
The win was a reflection of Regis Le Bris’ genius at Sunderland since earning Premier League promotion last season.
But whether on the front or back foot, the fans have been there in support, and that has made all the difference thus far.
Granit Xhaka praises Sunderland fans’ commitment
Xhaka shone in Sunderland’s win over Chelsea, where he kept the Blues’ attacks at bay while also helping his side in an attacking sense.
More importantly, it was a solid team performance where the Black Cats were the epitome of efficiency, creating more chances and netting one more goal with just 32 per cent possession.
The fans’ support played a huge role in the win. Indeed, they were on their feet in support from the moment the first whistle blew.
Their commitment has not escaped the notice of Xhaka, who pointed it out in a new interview with the print edition of Blick on 12 November.
“Away against Chelsea, you only heard them. They’re fans, not tourists. You are not in the city by chance,” he said.
“Sunderland is your life. Whether you’re an 80-year-old or a five-year-old, you know why you’re at the stadium. They have been supporting us since the first matchday with a force that is indescribable.”
For the players to hear the roar of Sunderland fans above the home support is a testament to how brilliant the Black Cats’ fanbase is.
And Xhaka describing Chelsea fans as “tourists” will certainly not go down well with the West London club.
Granit Xhaka has taken Sunderland to next level
Xhaka has been Le Bris’ most used outfield player in the Premier League this season, and it is easy to see why.
The 33-year-old has been incredible:
- He has four league goal contributions in 11 stars
- Xhaka has created five big chances and has registered 1.5 key passes
- He has 1.17 expected assists
Furthermore, he has a goal conversion rate of 17 per cent, and 83 per cent of his passes have been accurate, according to Sofascore.
Defensively, he has been even better:
- He has recovered 4.5 balls per game
- Xhaka has made 3.5 clearances per game
- He has only recorded two errors leading to a shot on goals
In addition to this, he has won 64 per cent of his total duels, winning 61 per cent of his ground duels and 70 per cent of his aerial duels. He has also completed 75 per cent of his dribbles.
All in all, Xhaka has arguably been Sunderland’s best player this season, and with a potential top-four finish in sight, the midfielder has made all the difference.
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