Granit Xhaka has admitted it will be an emotional game for him playing against Arsenal on Saturday, given his seven years with the club.
Sunderland have made an excellent start to the season, achieving 18 points from their first 10 games of the new campaign following promotion from the Championship.
That points total puts them level with reigning Champions Liverpool, ahead of Spurs, Chelsea, and Manchester United, and only one point behind Manchester City.
Sitting fourth in the table, Sunderland are only significantly trailing behind Arsenal, with a seven-point gap to the Premier League leaders. But they have the chance to close that gap with a win at home over Mikel Arteta’s side on Saturday.
A major factor behind Sunderland’s form has been a strong start for summer signing Granit Xhaka, formerly of Arsenal. The midfielder has a goal and three assists in his first 10 appearances, and he’s played every minute of their Premier League season so far.
There’s little doubt Xhaka will be in the starting lineup again as Sunderland face Arsenal this weekend, and he admits it will be an emotional experience.
“We know the quality that Arsenal have,” Xhaka said. “It will be an emotional game for myself, I had seven amazing years there. I still have contact with many players, with the coaching staff.
“To play against them here in Sunderland, of course, is very special. Hopefully I can enjoy it as well and let’s see who is the better team on this day.”
Xhaka is likely to get a good reception from the Arsenal fans, having parted ways on good terms in 2023. Though perhaps the chant of “we’ve got Granit Xhaka” won’t be so appropriate on this occasion.
Gunners fans will obviously be hopeful that Xhaka is on the losing side on Saturday, but it won’t be anything personal.