Granit Xhaka reflects on a strong Sunderland display and facing Tottenham under new boss Roberto De Zerbi
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Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka hailed his side’s performance after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, while also offering his verdict on facing Roberto De Zerbi’s team in their first game under new leadership.
The Black Cats produced an energetic and controlled display at the Stadium of Light, securing three points in what proved to be a feisty and competitive encounter. For Xhaka, the result was particularly important given Sunderland’s recent run at home.
“After nearly four weeks not being home, it was so important after three defeats at home to come back and to give the fans what they deserve, and I think today was the better team,” he said. “We deserve three points and just individual but as well collective the power, the energy what this team has is unbelievable and we knew before the season, in the half season, end of the season now as well that we can beat everyone if we stick together, if we play like this with this energy, with this be part of the team and to take the next three points.”
Sunderland’s intensity both on and off the ball stood out throughout, with Xhaka emphasising the importance of unity and consistency as the season enters its final stages. The game also presented a unique challenge, with Tottenham adjusting to life under De Zerbi following his recent appointment.
“It’s always tricky to fight to face a team that just changed managers because you don't know how much of those ideas you're gonna you're gonna see,” Xhaka added. “I think it's not the first time in the season we are playing against a team who changed the coach, and we know the coach very well from Tottenham. He likes the ball possession, he likes, he has the hunger as well and the emotion and the mentality to win.”
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Despite that uncertainty, Sunderland were able to impose themselves on the game, limiting Tottenham’s threat while maintaining control in key phases. “But yeah, we showed a great game from our side and in the end it's up to us how much we want, how good we are without the ball, with the ball, and I think today was a nearly perfect game,” Xhaka said.