Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka made his return from injury against Fulham on Sunday afternoon.
The Swiss midfielder had not featured for the Black Cats since January’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace due to an ankle complaint, but came of the bench in the 71st minute against the Cottagers.
Xhaka’s absence has coincided with a notable downturn in form from Regis Le Bris’ side, who have won just one of the five Premier League matches that their skipper hasn’t started in recent weeks.
And during their analysis of Sunderland’s defeat on Match of the Day, both Danny Murphy and Shay Given agreed that Xhaka’s comeback could make a notable difference to a Black Cats’ team who they believe are already assured of their Premier League status next season.
What has been said about Granit Xhaka’s long-awaited Sunderland return?
Reflecting on Xhaka’s recent spell on the sidelines, Murphy said: “I mean, I think he can still be talked about, Xhaka, as one of the signings of the season - if not the signing of the season. You know, his influence on the team has been there for all to see. He was always going to be a miss - not just his football quality, but his leadership as well. And, you know, if anyone could get them winning again, Xhaka can.”
Given then continued: “No, they're safe. They really are safe. Fulham jumped above them today, but I think he’s had a phenomenal season. Xhaka is a huge part of that [Sunderland’s success], of course, and I think the recruitment last summer was brilliant, but he's led the group, I think, on and off the pitch. He's had a great season.”
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What has Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris said about recent dip in form?
For his part, Sunderland boss Le Bris sought to play down the extent to which his side’s recent dip in form is a matter of concern. Speaking post-match on Wearside, he said: “In the Premier League, it's not unusual for us and for every team in the league.
“You can be in the top six and you can have a long sequence of poor results, I think we are now in this part of the journey. Resilience, togetherness, consistency, standards - It's always the same values we need and we won't give up. Obviously it's a bit harder, but the journey is always defined like that by key moments. They were negative today. We'll try to find a way to change the situation.
“At the moment, we express less quality with the ball. We are a bit less dominant against direct play as well for the second balls. The momentum can shift sometimes just with one situation because both teams are ready to impose their ideas after those moments. Today we were just okay, not dominant, especially at home. We left an opportunity for the opponent to express their qualities.”
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