Credit: Imago/Breaking Media/Manh Tung

Chris Smith

Sun 17 August 2025 14:13, UK

Sunderland returned to the Premier League in style on Saturday, and the performance of Granit Xhaka was a particular source of vindication.

Marc Guiu and Manuel Akanji respond after Granit Xhaka news confirmed	Aguerd miserable, Hermansen flops - West Ham player ratings in dismal loss v Sunderland	Dan Ballard tremendous, Simon Adingra rubbish - Sunderland ratings in win vs West Ham

Expectations were high ahead of the Black Cats‘ first top-flight match in eight years following a summer of lavish spending and an arrivals lounge busier than Heathrow Airport.

Xhaka has been one of the most eye-catching signings, returning to the Premier League following a successful spell with Bayer Leverkusen, and immediately being given the captain’s armband.

At 32 years old, there were some doubts as to whether the Switzerland international could still reliably contribute in the Premier League.

But on Saturday, Xhaka showed exactly what he thought of those doubts with a supreme performance in the 3-0 win over West Ham.

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No Sunderland player touched the ball more than Xhaka (63) on Saturday, while the former Arsenal man created two chances, completed 38 passes and played eight passes into the final third (FotMob).

Of course, his ball-playing ability hasn’t been the cause for any concern this summer;S rather, his physical output as he races toward his 33rd birthday.

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However, Xhaka was everywhere at the Stadium of Light, covering a whopping 11.2km of the field — second only to teammate Reinildo both on the day and across the entire Premier League during Friday and Saturday’s action.

75% of Xhaka’s distance covered was at running speed, while he used it to contest 12 duels (winning five) and make six defensive actions: a tackle, block, clearance, interception and two recoveries.

Granit Xhaka’s stats vs West Ham (FotMob)

All of that helped Sunderland ride some early pressure from the Hammers, before striking with goals from Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard and Wilson Isidor, all after the hour mark.

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“What a start, what a welcome, what an atmosphere!” Xhaka wrote on social media following Saturday’s triumphant Premier League return — both for club and player.

Xhaka has only been at Sunderland a few weeks and was one of seven debutants to take the field for the club on Saturday — a club record on the opening day.

But on the pitch, it’s already clear to see the effect he’s having on his new side.

That also seems to be the case off the pitch, too, manager Regis Le Bris offering insight into the message Xhaka is sending to his teammates in his role as captain.

“Enjoy now first of all,” Le Bris said (Chronicle), adding: “Second point, Granit spoke about this togetherness, this way of suffering together because it will be key for the season.
For more news relating to West Ham, visit our sister site WHU Latest Live.