Granit Xhaka has apologised to Sunderland supporters and demanded a response after the 2-0 defeat to Brighton
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has issued an apologetic message to supporters following the Black Cats’ disappointing 2-0 defeat against Brighton at the Stadium of Light.
Régis Le Bris’ side struggled to turn possession and pressure into clear chances against the Seagulls, who secured all three points through second-half goals from Maxim De Cuyper and Jaouen Hadjam.
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Brighton were reduced to 10 men when Pascal Struijk was shown a straight red card following a VAR review, but Sunderland were unable to make their numerical advantage count and were caught on the break for a second goal in stoppage time.
Xhaka, who once again captained Sunderland, took to social media shortly after the final whistle to acknowledge that the performance had fallen below the standards expected. “Not good enough today. We owe you a response,” Xhaka wrote on Instagram, alongside red and white heart emojis.
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The message reflected the frustration surrounding Sunderland’s display, particularly after the hosts were given more than half an hour to find a route back into the contest against 10 men. Kevin Danso also admitted after the match that Sunderland had lacked conviction and quality in the final third, with the defender insisting the squad must now shut out outside criticism and focus on responding.
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Sunderland have endured a difficult run of Premier League results after a promising start to the campaign, and attention will now quickly turn towards producing the response demanded by their captain. Xhaka has been one of Sunderland’s leading voices since arriving on Wearside, and his message left little ambiguity about the standards expected inside the dressing room.
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