Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka was the star of the show as the Swiss midfielder frustrated former club Arsenal and helped his new club secure a last-gasp 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light.
Xhaka came up against the Gunners for the first time since leaving the Emirates in the summer of 2023. The veteran Swiss midfielder played a vital role in Regis Le Bris' men handing Mikel Arteta a setback in the Premier League title race.
Sunderland took the lead through Dan Ballard, a product of the North Londoners' Hale End academy and were one-nil ahead at half-time. But the visitors came back into the game through Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard and looked likely to make it six wins on the bounce.
That was until Brian Brobbey struck late with another moment for the Mackems to add savour after their Chelsea win at Stamford Bridge. The Dutch attacker struck right at the death to ensure his side took a point against the league leaders.
"Pissing Me Off" - Xhaka's Mischief Rattles Arsenal Fans
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Xhaka was a divisive figure at Arsenal until Arteta's appointment in 2019 and he even admits he would have left if not for the Spaniard arriving at the club. His relationship with fans was strained due to disciplinary issues, but they made amends, and he became a crucial asset in the second half of his spell in North London.
The Emirates faithful loved watching the 33-year-old get under the opposition's skin, but they were on the receiving end of his antagonising playing style at the Stadium of Light. He put in a brilliant performance on the night and upset a fair few of the travelling supporters in an incident on the half-hour mark.
Mikel Merino went down with an injury, but Xhaka wasn't having it, shouting at the Spaniard and clearly telling him to get up. This didn't go unnoticed as fans shared their displeasure with facing him as an opponent.
One fan now understands how he irritates others:
"Loved Xhaka when he wore the shirt. Now can see why he was so hated by opposition fans and some of our own."
Another supporter has made a u-turn over the Swiss star:
"Na fight Xhaka come fight nothing else….. hate him now why is he complaining every single time we get a foul."
One fan fumed:
"Not sure who I want to punch most in the face between Xhaka and the ref."
Another added:
"Granit Xhaka is really pissing me off and he’s not even playing for us anymore."
One fan took the draw as a defeat when urging fellow Gooners to give him a tough time on their own turf:
"I hope everyone boo Xhaka at the emirates ,man was so happy to win against us."
Xhaka left the Gunners on good terms when he headed to Bayer Leverkusen in a £21.4 million deal and he became a Bundesliga champion as part of a Xabi Alonso side that went unbeaten. He claimed a title a year after leaving the Emirates, where he spent the last two years finishing runner-up with Arteta's side.
Piers Morgan & Arsenal Fans Give 'Insane' Xhaka His Flowers
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While some of the Arsenal fanbase were infuriated with their former midfielder, others were full of praise for his display on Saturday night. That included Gunners fan Piers Morgan who hailed Le Bris' Black Cats and their skipper:
"Fantastic game of football. I’ll take a point against that fired-up Sunderland team, led by Xhaka who was brilliant. Our MoM was Raya - he was fearless and magnificent."
Another supporter echoed Morgan's stance:
"What a game. Gotta respect that fight from Sunderland — they came to play. Xhaka was class, but Raya was unreal. Man of the Match for sure."
One fan seemed to respect Xhaka staying true to himself:
"Respect gained to this Sunderland team man. Hardest team we’ve faced this year in my opinion. They are serious. Captain Xhaka as per doing what does best. Salute."
Another added:
"Xhaka was insane today man. Tough result and definitely dropped points but hats off to Sunderland."
Sunderland's bold decision to sign Xhaka has paid off as he's been a leader for Le Bris' troops who have made an astonishing start to life back among English football's elite. They nicked a point against title favourites Arsenal and sit third in the league, which was unthinkable once they secured promotion through the play-offs.
Xhaka made his 11th appearance since arriving from Leverkusen and he looks to be one of the signings of the season. It will be interesting to see him return to the Emirates when the two sides meet in February.