Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has issued a glowing verdict on his side’s resilience and team spirit following their hard-earned 1–1 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday. The Black Cats played over an hour with ten men after Reinildo was sent off for an off-the-ball incident involving Matty Cash, yet still managed to claw back a point thanks to a late equaliser from Wilson Isidor.
“Very Difficult to Play Against Us”
Xhaka, who played a pivotal role in the equaliser with a smart headed assist, was full of praise for his teammates and the club’s supporters. Speaking after the match, the Swiss midfielder highlighted the emotional intensity of the game and the unity within the squad.
“From the first minute we knew that the game would be very emotional, with our fans at home and the support we have,” Xhaka said. “The red card changed all the plans we had during the week, but the point is much more than deserved.”
He added that Sunderland’s performance was another example of their growing reputation as a tough opponent in the Premier League:
“We have shown one more time that it is very difficult to play against us. I’m very happy that we were able to get what we deserved.”
Praise for the Fans and Team Mentality
Xhaka also took a moment to thank the Sunderland faithful, both at home and away, for their unwavering support:
“Not just at home but at Palace it was unbelievable. On the pitch we need to try to give them something back, because they are supporting us day by day.”
He emphasized that his role at the club extends beyond experience and quality — it’s about fostering connection and belief within the squad.
Isidor’s Impact: “Unbelievable”
The captain reserved special praise for Wilson Isidor, who netted his third goal of the season with a composed finish after Xhaka’s assist. Despite being a man down, Sunderland pushed forward in the second half, and Isidor’s relentless work rate paid off.
“The effort he put in for this team was unbelievable,” Xhaka said. “I’m so happy he’s part of this team and scoring goals, because we know the strikers need the numbers!”
Xhaka also noted the tactical risk Sunderland took to stay in the game, acknowledging that pushing forward with ten men could have backfired — but ultimately led to the equaliser.
Sunderland’s Growing Identity
With seven points from five matches and a string of gritty performances, Sunderland are quickly establishing themselves as one of the Premier League’s most determined sides. Under Régis Le Bris, the team has shown tactical discipline, emotional resilience, and a growing belief — qualities that Xhaka believes will make them a formidable opponent throughout the season.
As the Black Cats prepare for upcoming fixtures against Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, and Wolves, the message from their captain is clear: Sunderland are here to compete — and they won’t be easy to beat.