Granit Xhaka’s Sunderland Face Arsenal in Emotional Reunion
Sunderland’s remarkable ascent in the Premier League will be tested Saturday evening as they host Arsenal, marking the first time Swiss captain Granit Xhaka will face his former club. The match, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on November 8, 2025, pits the surprising Black Cats against the league leaders, offering a compelling narrative of redemption and renewed ambition.
From Relegation Candidates to Premier League Contenders
Promoted Sunderland has defied all expectations this season, currently sitting in fourth place with the same number of points as reigning champions Liverpool. A single defeat in their last eight matches, including a stunning victory over Chelsea, underscores their impressive form. Before the start of the championship, the club, having secured promotion through the play-offs, was widely tipped for immediate relegation. However, shrewd recruitment, spearheaded by the arrival of Granit Xhaka, has transformed their fortunes.
Xhaka: The Transformative Captain
The 33-year-old Xhaka, acquired for 15 million euros from Bayer Leverkusen, was immediately entrusted with the captain’s armband and has quickly established himself as the team’s on-field leader. English pundits are already hailing him as “the transfer of the season,” with Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender and current TV consultant, stating before Sunderland’s recent match against Everton that “Is there a player anywhere in the Premier League with such influence? Probably not.”
Sunderland coach Régis Le Bris echoes this sentiment, emphasizing Xhaka’s vital role: “A player like Granit, with his experience, is really essential for us. He sets the tone.” The team’s success is particularly noteworthy considering it fields the second-youngest squad in the entire championship, behind only Chelsea.
A Mixed Result, But Continued Impact
Despite a 1-1 draw against Everton on Monday, a result that prevented them from reclaiming second place, Xhaka marked the occasion with his first goal for the club. However, the Basel native remained critical of the team’s early performance, stating, “The first 25 minutes weren’t good enough, we made careless mistakes, far too many at this level. I’m half disappointed, half happy.”
You can view Xhaka’s goal against Everton here: [Video: twitter].
Statistical Dominance and On-Field Leadership
Xhaka’s influence extends beyond goals and leadership. Statistically, he is a driving force in Sunderland’s attack, leading the Premier League with 13 “decisive” passes leading to goal-scoring chances after ten matches – a figure matched only by Kieran Trippier of Newcastle. His passing range and vision are central to Sunderland’s build-up play, having already distributed 470 balls, a staggering 150 more than his nearest teammate, Omar Alderete. Le Bris describes Xhaka as “like a second coach on the field,” highlighting his tactical awareness and ability to orchestrate play.
Facing the Past: A Return to the Emirates
Saturday’s match holds particular significance for Xhaka, representing his first encounter with Arsenal since leaving the club in the summer of 2023 after seven years. His time in London was a mix of highs and lows, including an FA Cup victory in his first season. However, his relationship with the Gunners’ supporters became strained following an incident in 2019 where he was booed by fans during a substitution and subsequently stripped of the captaincy.
Xhaka later described this period as the most difficult of his career, but ultimately chose to remain at Arsenal due to the faith shown in him by Mikel Arteta. Fans even pleaded with him to stay as he departed at the end of the 2022/23 season, singing “Granit Xhaka, we want you to stay!” He ultimately moved to Bayer Leverkusen, where he played a key role in their historic Bundesliga title win.
Before facing his former team, Xhaka acknowledged the emotional weight of the occasion: “It will definitely be an emotional match for me.”
Arsenal’s Dominance and Sunderland’s Optimism
Arsenal enters the match as clear favorites, boasting ten consecutive victories and a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League. Despite the challenge, Xhaka remains optimistic, stating, “We will do everything we can to bring something back. We know where they are strong and where they are not so strong. At the moment, they have a lot of confidence, but so do we.”
Sunderland’s home form at the Stadium of Light has been impeccable this season, providing a significant advantage. The club’s resurgence is also attributable to the investment of Swiss owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, who has overseen a remarkable turnaround for the six-time English champions, whose last title came in 1936.
Despite their impressive start, coach Le Bris remains grounded, emphasizing the primary objective: “We want to reach 40 points as quickly as possible,” a total that has historically been sufficient to secure Premier League survival.
