Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka praised his team’s spirit, discipline, and collective energy after the Black Cats earned an impressive 0-0 draw against Manchester City in their Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light on Friday (January 2, 2026).
The result was widely seen as a significant achievement for Sunderland, who were forced to absorb sustained pressure from Pep Guardiola’s title-chasing side for much of the contest. Against one of the strongest teams in Europe, the newly promoted club delivered a resilient performance that showcased their growing confidence at the highest level.
While Manchester City dominated possession and territory, Sunderland’s organization and determination ensured they emerged with a valuable point.
Sunderland Stand Firm Under Relentless City Pressure
From the opening minutes, Manchester City imposed their trademark control, circulating the ball patiently and probing for openings across the Sunderland back line. The visitors camped in Sunderland’s half for long spells, forcing the home side into a deep defensive shape.
Despite City’s superiority in possession, clear-cut chances were limited. Sunderland defended compactly, closed spaces intelligently, and blocked passing lanes that normally allow City’s attackers to thrive between the lines. Goalkeeper and defenders alike remained alert, dealing calmly with crosses and long-range attempts.
The longer the match went on without a breakthrough, the more frustration crept into City’s play. For Sunderland, every successful tackle and interception further lifted the crowd and reinforced belief that a positive result was possible.
A Point That Feels Like a Statement
The final whistle was met with loud applause inside the Stadium of Light, as Sunderland celebrated a point that felt far more significant than the scoreline suggested. Holding Manchester City scoreless is no small feat, especially for a team still adapting to the demands of Premier League football.
With City considered one of the leading title contenders this season, the draw served as a reminder that Sunderland are not simply aiming to survive—they are capable of competing with the league’s elite on their own terms.
Xhaka’s Influence in Midfield Once Again Key
At the heart of Sunderland’s performance was Granit Xhaka, who once again demonstrated why he remains one of the most influential midfielders in the league. The former Arsenal star combined leadership, composure, and tactical intelligence to help Sunderland manage long periods without the ball.
Xhaka’s positioning was crucial in shielding the defense, while his calm distribution allowed Sunderland to regain control during rare moments of possession. His communication and organization ensured that Sunderland maintained their structure even when City attempted to increase the tempo.
Xhaka’s consistent performances this season have been widely credited as a major reason Sunderland have adapted so well since returning to the Premier League.
Positive Energy Driving Sunderland’s Progress
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Xhaka emphasized that Sunderland’s strong performances are rooted in the positive atmosphere within the squad. He stressed that unity and belief have played a decisive role in the team’s ability to compete, particularly as a newly promoted side.
“In the end, of course you want to win games, but we also have to be realistic,” Xhaka said. “We’ve just come back to the Premier League after many years, and there have been a lot of changes.”
The Swiss international highlighted the scale of the rebuilding process undertaken by the club over the summer.
“Almost 15 or 16 new players came in, and it’s not always easy for everything to click immediately,” he added.
Healthy Dressing Room Key to Adaptation
Xhaka went on to explain that Sunderland’s smooth adaptation has been made possible by a strong dressing-room culture and a healthy relationship between players and coaching staff.
“It’s about energy,” he said. “Our dressing room is very positive. We have really good energy between the staff and the players.”
According to Xhaka, that positivity translates directly into performances on the pitch, particularly in high-pressure matches like the one against Manchester City.
“In the end, the results speak for themselves because we work very hard every day, every week,” he continued.
Exceeding Expectations as a Promoted Side
As the Premier League season approaches its midpoint, Sunderland’s position and performances have already exceeded the expectations of many observers. While survival remains the primary objective, results like the draw against City underline the team’s potential to establish themselves more securely in the division.
Xhaka acknowledged that there is still plenty of work to be done but expressed satisfaction with what the team has achieved so far.
“I think at this moment we can be very happy after the first half of the season,” he concluded.
Building Momentum for the Second Half of the Season
For Sunderland, the challenge now is to maintain consistency and build on performances like this one. The draw against Manchester City may not bring headlines like a famous victory, but it sends a powerful message about the Black Cats’ resilience and collective strength.
Led by the experience and leadership of Granit Xhaka, Sunderland appear determined to prove that their return to the Premier League is not a brief visit, but the beginning of a more stable chapter at the top level of English football.
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