Try GOLD - Free
'It's just the beginning to us - we can still improve'
Sunderland Echo
|September 25, 2025
Granit Xhaka says Sunderland have shown they are going to be difficult to beat this season after fighting back to earn a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday.
Granit Xhaka and Wilson Isidor. Picture by Chris Fryatt.
(Chris Fryatt)
Sunderland's captain believes the point was 'more than deserved' after the Black Cats played for over an hour with 10 men following Reinildo Mandava 's red card for an off-the-ball incident with Matty Cash. Xhaka played a key role in the equaliser, his headed pass finding Wilson Isidor to score.
Xhaka thanked the Sunderland fans for their support and said the team have shown that they will not be an easy opponent for their Premier League rivals this season.
"From the first minute we knew that the game would be very emotional, with our fans at home and the support we have," Xhaka said.
This story is from the September 25, 2025 edition of Sunderland Echo.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Sunderland Echo
Sunderland Echo
Indianapolis Colts sign Rivers out of retirement
Philip Rivers has come out of retirement to rejoin the Indianapolis Colts, five years after the 44-year-old last played in the NFL.
1 min
December 12, 2025
Sunderland Echo
Festive retelling with new spin on Red Riding Hood
A community theatre company is putting a new spin on a classic tale.
1 min
December 12, 2025
Sunderland Echo
Leaders hope to put 'rocket boosters' on huge regeneration of the riverside
North East leaders hope to put “rocket boosters” on a vast regeneration of Sunderland's riverside – including the building of a landmark film studio.
2 mins
December 12, 2025
Sunderland Echo
Wear-Tyne derby the biggest rivalry match in Xhaka's illustrious career
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has described Sunday's Wear-Tyne derby as the biggest rivalry match he has faced in his career, despite previously playing in the North London derby and Champions League fixtures during spells with Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen.
2 mins
December 12, 2025
Sunderland Echo
Police appeal for help after safe stolen from popular restaurant
Police are investigating a break in at a popular East Boldon restaurant.
1 min
December 12, 2025
Sunderland Echo
FIFA urged to reassess pricing of tickets for 'USA' World Cup
FIFA has been urged to halt World Cup ticket sales after it emerged countries' most loyal fans face paying 'extortionate' prices for tickets, with the cheapest for the final coming in at over £3,000 and England supporters buying through the official FA travel club set to be charged almost £200 for their opening game against Croatia.
1 min
December 12, 2025
Sunderland Echo
WTA signs 'significant deal' with Mercedes
The Women's Tennis Association has announced a long-term partnership with Mercedes-Benz which has the potential to be the largest in women's sport.
1 min
December 12, 2025
Sunderland Echo
Independent probe needed
Keir Starmer's suggestion that Nigel Farage should lead an inquiry into Russian interference within Reform UK following Nathan Gill's conviction for taking bribes to push Kremlin propaganda is an entirely inadequate response.
1 min
December 12, 2025
Sunderland Echo
Cats' signing Lucumí in January played down
Sunderland may struggle to sign Jhon Lucumí during the January transfer window, despite fresh speculation crediting the Black Cats with interest in the Colombian.
1 mins
December 12, 2025
Sunderland Echo
December Gold glory beckons for Imperial
It may seem folly going against Dan Skelton in a big race on a Saturday but Imperial Saint looks better value in the Support The Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup at Cheltenham tomorrow.
1 mins
December 12, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size