Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka is looking forward to facing his former club Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
The Black Cats signed the Switzerland international from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, and he was immediately handed the captain’s armband.
Xhaka has been exceptional for the Wearside outfit in the centre of the park. He has been defensively solid and has chipped in with four goal contributions.
The 33-year-old scored his maiden Sunderland goal in the 1-1 draw against Everton last night, and was handed the man of the match after the stalemate.
One of the questions posed to him was on Arsenal. Xhaka admitted that the Gunners are a quality side, and it will be an emotional game for himself.
Xhaka had seven seasons with Arsenal, and he acknowledged that it will be ‘very special’ to play against them at the Stadium of Light this weekend.
He told Sky Sports: “We know the quality Arsenal has. It will be an emotional game for myself.
“I had seven amazing years there, I still have contact with many players and the coaching staff.
“To play against them here in Sunderland is very special.”
Arsenal have won nine consecutive games in all competitions including the last five in the league. The club are top of the table with 25 points from 10 games.
They are six and seven points ahead of Manchester City and Liverpool, who are scheduled to play each other at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening.
The Gunners have the opportunity to extend their lead over one or both of their title challengers if they can beat the Black Cats on the road on Saturday.
The Gunners will need to work hard for the result.
Sunderland have been fantastic on their top-flight return after eight seasons, and they are currently fourth in the table with 18 points from 10 matches.
Their defensive record has been impressive too with only eight goals conceded. The Black Cats lined up in a 5-4-1 formation when out of possession last night.
Arsenal can expect a low defensive block against them, and they will need to guard against rapid counter-attacks, which are the Black Cats’ main strength.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com