By Peter.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a heartfelt tribute to Granit Xhaka, calling the Sunderland captain one of the key figures who made him a “better coach”, as the two prepare for an emotional Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Xhaka, now 33, returned to the Premier League in July after a transformative two-year spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and reached the Europa League final. The Swiss international rejoined the English top flight with newly promoted Sunderland, who have stunned the league by sitting fourth in the table.
From Arsenal Outcast to Club Legend
Xhaka’s seven-year tenure at Arsenal (2016–2023) was a rollercoaster. He arrived as a £35 million signing but faced intense scrutiny, culminating in his 2019 captaincy stripping under Unai Emery after a heated confrontation with fans during a 2–2 draw against Crystal Palace.
Arteta, appointed two months later, rebuilt the relationship — and the player.
“I loved every minute that we spent together,” Arteta said at his Friday press conference. “When I joined, he was in a special moment in his life and career. Between all of us, we tried to guide him, give him a different perspective, and make him feel loved and valued. He responded in an incredible way.”
Under Arteta, Xhaka became a linchpin in midfield, helping Arsenal reach two FA Cup finals (winning in 2020), secure back-to-back eighth-place finishes, and lay the foundation for their current title charge.
“He made me a better coach,” Arteta added. “He helped us develop and improve a lot as a team and as a club. I will be eternally grateful. I have great memories with him.”
Sunderland’s Surprise Package
Xhaka has been instrumental in Sunderland’s remarkable start. The Black Cats, back in the Premier League after promotion, have lost just once in 11 games and boast one of the league’s stingiest defenses.
Arteta didn’t hold back praise:
“With the impact he’s having — one of the best, I would say. What they’ve done as a football club in the last few years is very impressive. The management, the decisions, how stable they look — it’s really impressive.”
Arsenal’s Title Momentum
The Gunners arrive in the Northeast riding a 10-game winning streak across all competitions, with no goals conceded in their last eight matches. They lead second-placed Manchester City by six points and are heavy favorites to end their 21-year wait for a Premier League title.
Yet Arteta refused to entertain complacency:
“Any team has the capacity and the belief that they can do it. We are fully aware of that. We know our strengths, we know what we have to improve, and we just focus on that.”
A Match of Respect and Rivalry
Saturday’s fixture isn’t just about points — it’s a clash of redemption stories. Xhaka, once vilified at the Emirates, now leads a fearless Sunderland side challenging the elite. Arteta, the coach who believed in him, now stands in his way.
Will sentiment give way to steel? One thing is certain: when Xhaka walks out at the Stadium of Light, he’ll do so as a captain, a leader, and a man who helped shape Arsenal’s revival — even if he’s now wearing red and white stripes.
Kick-off: Saturday, 3:00 PM GMT | Stadium of Light #ARSSUN #GranitXhaka #PremierLeague
