Arsenal will reunite with Granit Xhaka on matchday 11 of the Premier League season as the Gunners face Sunderland.
Very few would’ve expected to see Xhaka lining up against Arsenal after the midfielder’s departure from North London in 2023.
In a shock turn of events, the Switzerland international left Bayer Leverkusen to sign for Sunderland in the summer and hasn’t looked back.
Xhaka has hit a new level at Sunderland and will be eager to reintroduce himself to Arsenal as captain of the Black Cats when the Gunners visit the Stadium of Light.
Granit Xhaka speaks ahead of facing Arsenal as a Sunderland player
Things weren’t easy for Xhaka at Arsenal, who experienced some of the highest highs and lowest lows during his time at the Emirates.
Next, the 33-year-old will face his former club in the Premier League, something he spoke about after Sunderland’s 1-1 draw against Everton.
“It will be an emotional game for myself,” Xhaka told Sky Sports after scoring for Sunderland on matchday ten.
“I had seven amazing years there, I still have contact with many players, with the coaching staff, and to play against them here in Sunderland is very special and hopefully I can enjoy it as well and let’s see who’s the better team on this day.”
Arsenal are in an incredible run of form, something Xhaka will be eager to end when Mikel Arteta’s side travel to the North East.
Arsenal will be very wary of Xhaka
Having maintained relationships in the Arsenal squad on top of spending seven years in N5, the Gunners will be more than aware of the threat Xhaka can pose.
That being said, even those in North London might be shocked by the level the veteran midfielder is producing so far this season.
| Statistic | Average | Rank at Sunderland |
| Match rating | 7.50 | 1st |
| Assists | 3 | 1st |
| Expected assists p/g | 1.16xA | 1st |
| Big chances created | 5 | 1st |
| Accurate passes p/g | 45.9 | 1st |
| Key passes p/g | 1.6 | 1st |
| Accurate long balls p/g | 5.2 | 1st |
Even Sunderland might be stunned by what Xhaka is doing right now, as the numbers show just how much of an impact the Swiss star is having on Regis Le Bris’ squad.
If Arsenal want to stop Sunderland, they’ll have to stop Xhaka, which is easier said than done this season.
It’s set to be a thriller at the Stadium of Light on matchday 11, as Arsenal look to take three points back to the capital to extend their lead at the summit.
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