Granit Xhaka Sunderland story continues to captivate the Premier League. The 33-year-old captain produced a commanding display in Saturday’s 2-1 comeback win at Stamford Bridge, earning praise from Alan Shearer and a place in the pundit’s latest Team of the Week.
Xhaka’s performance embodied experience and control as Sunderland rallied from an early Alejandro Garnacho goal to level through Wilson Isidor before Chemsdine Talbi’s stoppage-time winner sealed a dramatic victory.
Shearer described Xhaka’s showing as a “midfield masterclass”, highlighting his leadership and defensive contribution.
“He was on another level — kept the ball moving, stopped attacks, and showed why he’s been an incredible signing for Sunderland.” — Alan Shearer, BBC / The Rest Is Football
Sunderland’s rise defying all predictions
Few expected Sunderland to adapt so quickly after promotion, but Le Bris’ team have taken 17 points from their opening nine matches — just behind third-placed Tottenham on goal difference and a staggering 12 points above the relegation zone.
Even Shearer, a lifelong Newcastle icon, admitted their form has been impossible to ignore.
“If you’d said before the season that Sunderland would be top four after nine games, people would’ve thought you’d lost your mind. It’s been unbelievable.” — Alan Shearer, The Rest Is Football
The Numbers: Granit Xhaka vs Chelsea
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Key Passes | 1 |
| Crosses (Accurate) | 1 (0) |
| Accurate Passes | 29 / 39 (74%) |
| Passes in Opposition Half (Acc.) | 14 / 24 (58%) |
| Passes in Own Half (Acc.) | 15 / 16 (94%) |
| Tackles (Won) | 4 (2) |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Clearances | 2 |
| Recoveries | 2 |
| Ground Duels (Won) | 5 (4) |
| Aerial Duels (Won) | 2 (2) |
| Dribbled Past | 0 |
source: Sofascore – 28 October 2025
It was a complete midfield display. Xhaka dictated tempo from deep, protected the defence with smart positioning, and kept Sunderland organised even under sustained Chelsea pressure.
His 94% passing accuracy in his own half showed composure, while winning seven duels (six successful) underlined his fight in key moments.
Shearer’s Team of the Week
Shearer’s Premier League XI also included Spurs pair Guglielmo Vicario and Micky van de Ven, but it was Xhaka who earned his highest praise:
- Vicario (Tottenham)
- Cash, Thiaw, Van de Ven, Kayode
- Xhaka (Sunderland), Onana (Aston Villa), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle)
- Mbeumo (Man United), Kroupi (Bournemouth), Flemming (Burnley)
Manager: Keith Andrews
The former England striker said Sunderland’s “unbelievable” start under Regis Le Bris is one of the surprises of the season — especially with the newly promoted side sitting fourth in the Premier League after nine games.
Our View: Xhaka leading by example
In our view, Granit Xhaka’s influence at Sunderland goes beyond numbers. His leadership and tactical understanding have given the club an elite-level spine. The Swiss midfielder has brought calmness to a young squad while raising standards in possession and pressing.
Saturday’s performance at Stamford Bridge was another example of experience meeting energy — a blueprint for Sunderland’s season so far.
Key Insights
- Granit Xhaka Sunderland performance hailed as a “masterclass” by Alan Shearer.
- Swiss captain named in Shearer’s Premier League Team of the Week.
- Sunderland’s 2-1 win over Chelsea lifts them to fourth in the table.
- Xhaka completed 29/39 passes, won seven duels, and was not dribbled past.
- Shearer calls Sunderland’s start “unbelievable” under Regis Le Bris.
What’s Next
Sunderland return to Premier League action against Everton on 3 November 2025, aiming to continue their fairytale start. With Xhaka in this kind of form, the Black Cats’ European dream is beginning to look less far-fetched.
👉 Is Granit Xhaka the Premier League’s most underrated signing of 2025?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 28 Oct 2025 08:20
Which another level? Sunderland didnt do anything apart from holding and long-throws.
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