Granit Xhaka: Top five crazy Premier League moments ahead of Sunderland transfer
Granit Xhaka appears to be finally closing in on a move to Sunderland.
Xhaka has been embroiled in some controversial moments during his time in the Premier League with Arsenal, but he would be a huge statement of intent.
The Swiss midfielder wants to join the Mackems, after switching to Bayer Leverkusen two years ago, and with him, he could bring a mix of his short temper and attacking flair.
With that said, Mackem News looks at his top five wildest moments in the top flight with the Gunners.
5. First goal for Arsenal
There was nothing controversial about Xhaka’s introduction to the Premier League.
On 17 September 2016, at the age of 23, the newcomer came off the bench and found himself in space about 35 yards out.
The Swiss continues to unleash a thunderous strike, which arrows into the top corner.
Considering the Gunners were 3-1 up at the time, it wasn’t the most important strike, but it was a brilliant way to introduce yourself to the fans.
His eye for a goal is what would make Xhaka even valuable on Wearside.
4. North London strike
Sunderland are no strangers to fierce derbies.
The Tyne-Wear Derby is one of the most established in the country and joins the North London Derby in the list of the most historic and elite.
Xhaka was influential in his penultimate game against Tottenham. With Spurs having halved the deficit to 2-1, the midfielder takes the ball off teammate Gabriel Martinelli and slots the ball past Hugo Lloris.
His strike came at a time when his relationship with Gunners fans was on the rise again, but he had some rough patches through the years.
3. First Premier League red card
Xhaka gained a reputation for his short temper during his time in the top flight.
Most supporters won’t look back on a player’s red card too fondly, but the former Arsenal captain’s hilarious knack for seeing red was a staple of his Premier League era.
| Games | Red cards |
| 224 | 4 |
It was just two months into his Arsenal career, the Gunners were 3-1 up against Swansea (15 October 2016), with an hour on the clock.
The midfielder proceeded to take out the then-Swans winger, Moudou Barrow. It was the beginning of a difficult relationship with match officials.
Xhaka was always full on in his approach, and he never received two yellows; it was always a straight red.
2. Xhaka comes close to quitting
Xhaka’s bags were packed shortly after an angry confrontation with his own fans after he was substituted in Arsenal’s game with Crystal Palace in October 2019.
The incident occurred when the captain was jeered by fans as he was substituted. He then reacted by waving and cupping his ears before taking off his shirt and disappearing down the tunnel.
Xhaka was then stripped of his captaincy, following the game, but did well to resurrect his career in North London.
That type of thick skin and wealth of experience seems to be what Sunderland are missing in midfield.
1. It’s f****** unbelievable
Xhaka had earned his respect back with the Arsenal crowd and became an important figure on the pitch by November 2022.
The Gunners have just beaten Chelsea 1-0, and the 32-year-old is getting interviewed live on BT Sport when he gets asked his thoughts on the important win.
“You see this atmosphere? It’s f****** unbelievable,” he answered.
His love for the supporters is something that will be valued by the Stadium of Light faithful should he choose to join.
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