Granit Xhaka once again lived up to expectations, although Sunderland had to settle for just one point against Leeds United on Sunday.
The Sunderland–Leeds United match ended 1–1 and was part of the 18th round of the Premier League.
In the 28th minute, Granit Xhaka won possession and delivered a brilliant assist for the opening goal, scored by Simon Adingra to make it 1–0. However, Xhaka was not fully satisfied, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin later equalized for Leeds.
“A tough battle, but we stay focused. Next point, next challenge. Together into the new year,” Xhaka wrote on Instagram after the match.
This was Xhaka’s fifth assist of the season. Only Bruno Fernandes and Rayan Cherki have more assists so far, with seven each. Sunderland remain seventh in the English top flight.
“I knew Granit would find me with that pass. Scoring in front of our fans is a positive moment,” said Adingra.
Xhaka’s latest Premier League performance was also praised by Liverpool legend Jamie Redknapp.
“Outstanding. I really like what Granit Xhaka does. A beautiful pass into his teammate’s path. A nice touch with the left foot, and Adingra finished it brilliantly,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.
Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris also commented on the draw, saying the team took valuable lessons from the match.
“It was a difficult game, as expected. Leeds are a good team and in very good form. They showed great quality today. I think we started well and scored. At the end of the first half, we had the chance to score a second goal. That was a key moment, because after that they changed their structure and we struggled to find our rhythm and reference points. They dominated, but we found the energy to shift the momentum. Toward the end, we had opportunities to be more dangerous, but overall I think it was a fair result,” said Le Bris.
He also expressed happiness with Adingra’s goal.
“It’s a good lesson for us in the Premier League. We’re moving forward with many changes in the squad. I’m happy for Simon because it shows that every player is important. His teammates supported him, and that helped him through the process. Hopefully this will help him going forward. It’s very positive that we’re still unbeaten at home, especially in difficult moments. The dressing room is disappointed now, and that shows the desire to win,” the Sunderland coach added.
Xhaka is increasingly being described in England as the best transfer of the season. He has played a key role for Sunderland, who returned to the Premier League this campaign.
