Sunderland's recent performances in the Premier League have been impressive, yet they are not receiving the recognition they deserve, according to Granit Xhaka. The team secured a 1-0 victory against their
rivals, Newcastle United, with Nick Woltemade's own goal being the decisive factor. This win at the Stadium of Light has propelled Sunderland to seventh place in the league standings.
Currently, Sunderland is just two points shy of the top four, having accumulated 26 points. This is their best start to a top-flight season since 2000-01 when they also had 26 points and finished seventh. Xhaka, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen, has been pivotal for the team and believes they merit greater respect for their achievements.
The match against Newcastle was characterized by a lack of attacking prowess from both sides. They managed only 11 shots combined and recorded an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.54 (0.29 xG for Sunderland and 0.25 xG for Newcastle). This was the fewest attempts in a single game since March 2023.
Despite this, Sunderland remains unbeaten in their last ten league encounters with Newcastle, winning seven and drawing three. "Derbies, you have to win," Xhaka stated to Sky Sports. He emphasized that Sunderland deserves more respect given their league position and hard work.
Regis Le Bris expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance during the derby. "Proud and happy," he told Sky Sports after the match. He acknowledged that fans expected them to win and praised his players' maturity and tactical discipline during the first half.
Le Bris highlighted how important it was for Sunderland to be more clinical in attack while maintaining control and patience on the ball. He noted that this victory is significant for the club, its supporters, and the region as a whole.
Looking ahead, Le Bris mentioned that Sunderland must quickly refocus as they face another challenging match against Brighton in one week. The team aims to continue their strong form as they navigate through these demanding fixtures.
F T M pic.twitter.com/qb23t2fQ99 Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) December 14, 2025
The Black Cats' ability to maintain composure without possession after scoring was crucial in securing all three points against Newcastle. Their defensive resilience played a key role in ensuring victory despite limited attacking opportunities throughout the game.
This recent success underscores Sunderland's potential this season as they aim higher up the Premier League table while continuing to earn respect from opponents and fans alike for their consistent performances on the pitch.
