Granit Xhaka’s Premier League numbers really do blow away ahead of Sunderland vs Wolves
Regis Le Bris is looking to continue Sunderland’s impressive Premier League start at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Sunderland play Wolves on 18 October, in what proves to be a chance for the Black Cats to extend their astonishing record at the Stadium of Light.
Le Bris is hoping to keep Sunderland in the Premier League, but Mackem fans are starting to look past relegation worries after a sublime start to the season.
Granit Xhaka has been immense for Sunderland since his shock arrival in the summer, and his stats accumulated so far in the Premier League have now silenced anyone who doubted him ahead of his return to England.
Granit Xhaka’s stats for Sunderland are impeccable
When Xhaka arrived at Sunderland, most people thought his main role would be to bring solidity, experience, and skill to Le Bris‘s midfield – which he has.
But not many people would have expected him to be leading the way as a playmaker in the early stages of the season, as Xhaka is even tied with Liverpool star Mohamed Salah for chances created.
Xhaka is up to three assists in the Premier League this season, creating from both set-pieces and regular play, but also does the nitty-gritty side for Sunderland.
| Games | Assists | Key passes per 90 | Accurate passes in own half per 90 | Tackles per 90 | Interceptions per 90 | Average rating |
| 7 | 3 | 1.3 | 20.9 (92%) | 1.7 | 1.3 | 7.33 |
Xhaka has a 92 per cent rate of successful passes in his own half, and rarely loses the ball, but knows when to play forward into the opposition’s half and create chances for Sunderland to score.
The former Arsenal midfielder now plays Wolves in an important clash, as he will be key for Sunderland once again.
Xhaka could create big chances against a shaky Wolves defence
Wolves are bottom of the Premier League and with reason. They concede an average of 2.0 goals per game, while Sunderland average 2.0 goals per game at the Stadium of Light so far this campaign.
The Mackems will be expected to take it to Wolves, as Xhaka could once again provide from deep, as Brian Brobbey could form a new partnership with the Swiss international.
Xhaka’s experience will also be key in this game, as Sunderland may think they will run Wolves over due to the gap in the table.
The new Sunderland fan favourite will keep the Black Cats focused on the task, as it would be no surprise to see him add to his assist tally in this game.
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