Bold statement: Sunderland’s surge beyond 40 points proves they’re not done yet, and their next chapter could redefine their season. But here’s where it gets controversial: is Granit Xhaka really the catalyst, or is Regis le Bris’s system the secret engine driving their climb?
Sunderland’s rise this season has been powered by a core cast, with Granit Xhaka standing out as a veteran influence. The former Arsenal man arrived as part of a sizeable summer recruitment drive, yet many agree his leadership and experience have been the decisive elements in turning tight games in Sunderland’s favor.
After returning from injury, Xhaka started on the bench against Leeds, re-entering around the 60-minute mark. The shift was significant: Sunderland moved from looking like the dominant side to reclaiming control, and the team’s improved performance coincided with his re-entry. The 33-year-old’s steadiness helped them navigate a scrappy, stakes-filled finale, culminating in Habib Diarra’s late penalty and their first away win since October.
Xhaka spoke after the match to TNT Sports, reflecting on the season’s target and ambition: “We spoke at the beginning of the season, our target was 40 points, we achieved 40 points and now we want more because the hunger is big. We need to stay humble. We know where we come from. Our target was 40 points. When you achieve the first one, you want more. The hunger is here. We are taking it game by game, let's see where we get.”
Head coach Regis le Bris shares the sentiment and deserves recognition for guiding Sunderland to sturdy results, including the Leeds victory. His approach has been to frustrate opponents while exploiting the few attacking chances that arise, a strategy that has yielded results in matches where teams rarely breach the opposition’s defense.
Le Bris commented on the 40-point mark as a milestone rather than the finish line: “We don't know if it will be enough but it's a good target. With nine more games to play we want to stay ambitious. The next target is 43, let's be prepared for that. Let's keep going.”
Leeds were aiming for a significant step toward safety with a win, and their plan looked solid in possession dominance. Yet they failed to test Sunderland’s debutant goalkeeper Melker Ellborg enough, and a controversial handball decision deepened their woes. The handball call came after Daniel Farke’s side had a chance to seize control, with Ethan Ampadu adjudged to have handled the ball following a blocked shot by Wilson Isidor.
Diarra’s penalty, though not struck cleanly, found its way past a diving Karl Darlow, securing the win for Sunderland. Leeds now face a tough reset with an FA Cup fifth-round clash against Norwich and a league swing back into action against Crystal Palace, a team positioned four points above them in the table.
Farke defended his side’s display, insisting there remains a clear path forward: “We are not too far away. More is needed. It is important not to lose nerves and not to lose their heads. I would be concerned if the performance was not there. We have to act with a bit more brutality.” This line invites readers to consider whether Leeds should lean into aggression or maintain discipline as they chase safety.
Controversy angle: Xhaka’s influence on Sunderland’s season invites debate about how much an individual player can tilt a team’s trajectory versus the value of tactical discipline and squad depth. Do you think Xhaka’s leadership is the defining factor, or is le Bris’s game plan the real separating force? Share your thoughts in the comments.
