Xhaka Faces Former Club as Arsenal Seek to Extend Dominance at the Stadium of Light

Xhaka Faces Former Club as Arsenal Seek to Extend Dominance at the Stadium of Light‎

Bashir Adigun| Match Review| November 7, 2025

When Arsenal travel to the Stadium of Light on Saturday evening for their Premier League clash against Sunderland, it will be more than a routine fixture before the November international break. It is a meeting charged with narrative and nostalgia — Granit Xhaka facing his old club, Sunderland testing their newfound steel against title contenders, and Mikel Arteta’s men chasing a record ninth consecutive clean sheet.
This encounter marks Arsenal’s first visit to Wearside in over nine years. A lot has changed since then — Sunderland, once exiled from the top flight, are back with renewed energy and continental ambition, while Arsenal have transformed into one of the most disciplined, possession-driven sides in Europe.
Speaking ahead of the trip, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was characteristically composed but firm on expectations. “Every weekend is crucial,” he said at the Sobha Realty Training Centre. “Three points against Sunderland tomorrow is going to be really tough and we’re going to have to really earn them.”
The Gunners will, however, be without several key attacking players. Captain Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyökeres, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli remain sidelined. Arteta hinted that some could return after the international break, but for now, the squad remains stretched.
The good news is the return of Gabriel Jesus to team training after a long layoff. “He’s full of energy,” Arteta said. “I love the reaction of all his teammates when he joined us again. He’s unpredictable, competitive, and brings a level of hunger that will help us.”
Arteta may again rely on Mikel Merino, who impressed midweek playing as an auxiliary striker and scored in the Champions League. “He’s intelligent, competitive, and adapts quickly. He wants to win — wherever he plays,” the Spaniard said of his versatile midfielder.
One of the subplots of this fixture will be Granit Xhaka’s first meeting with Arsenal since his move to Sunderland last summer. The Swiss international has been the beating heart of Regis Le Bris’ young side, adding maturity, composure, and leadership to their midfield.
Arteta, who managed Xhaka through a turbulent but ultimately redemptive Arsenal spell, spoke warmly of his former captain. “I loved every minute we spent together,” he said. “He made me a better coach, helped us to develop, and I’ll be eternally grateful.”
On Xhaka’s transfer, Arteta added, “He wanted to go back to Germany to be closer to family, and it was the right time. But with the impact he’s having now, I’d say he’s been one of the signings of the summer.”
Sunderland, under French tactician Regis Le Bris, have been one of the season’s pleasant surprises. Their disciplined structure, pressing intensity, and youthful exuberance have earned them praise — and points — against more established sides.
Le Bris exuded quiet confidence during his pre-match press conference. “We can keep our consistency even if something is going wrong,” he said. “This league is very demanding, but we have the character and spirit to fight until the end.”
On the prospect of facing Arsenal, the Frenchman was pragmatic yet ambitious. “We have to play our best football. If we are afraid or too emotional, we’ll be punished. We must do a masterclass — no choice!”
He also hailed Xhaka’s influence: “The confidence he transmits to the squad is really important. One of the main strengths of a leader is to create another leader — and he is doing this every day.”
The match promises a fascinating midfield duel — Sunderland’s Xhaka-led engine room versus Declan Rice, Arsenal’s defensive anchor and on-field general. Rice’s evolution into a box-to-box controller has been one of the highlights of Arsenal’s campaign. “He’s been exceptional,” said Arteta. “His role is growing naturally, and he’s impacting games in various ways.”
Sunderland’s pressing and compactness will test Arsenal’s ability to build from the back, especially with several creative players absent. The home side will look to exploit transitions, while Arsenal’s full-backs — notably Gabriel Maghalaes  and William  Salba will aim to stretch the play and pin Sunderland’s wingers deep.
For Sunderland, keeping Arsenal from scoring early will be key. As Le Bris joked, “Are we trying to stop Arsenal getting corners? I don’t know if it’s possible!” — a nod to the Gunners’ well-drilled set-piece routines this season.
Arsenal arrive as favourites, chasing a ninth consecutive clean sheet and looking to consolidate their lead at the top of the Premier League. Sunderland, buoyed by their passionate home crowd and Xhaka’s influence, will not make it easy.
If Arteta’s side can find rhythm without their injured stars, they may have too much quality. But Sunderland’s resilience and organisation suggest that the Gunners will need to earn every inch at the Stadium of Light.