Le Bris lauds Xhaka’s influence after crucial equaliser
Regis Le Bris praised Granit Xhaka for delivering when Sunderland needed him most as the midfielder’s late equaliser salvaged a 1-1 draw against Everton. The versatile summer signing has quickly become a linchpin in the Black Cats’ early-season push, and his impact was again clear at the Stadium of Light.
Le Bris, who has watched his new-look midfield evolve through the opening weeks of the campaign, stressed that Xhaka’s leadership and energy are helping Sunderland set the tempo in matches. While the club has shown promise in both defense and attack, it is Xhaka’s ability to influence play in both phases that has allowed the team to respond to setbacks with composure and purpose.
Xhaka: a catalyst in midfield
Since arriving in the summer, Xhaka has rarely looked out of place, blending his wide-ranging experience with the energy required to compete at the top level in England. His presence has provided Sunderland with a more balanced midfield unit, enabling them to press higher and transition more smoothly from defense to attack. The equaliser against Everton showcased his knack for finding pockets of space, timing runs into the box, and delivering moments of quality when it matters most.
Beyond the goal itself, Le Bris highlighted how Xhaka has integrated into a squad still discovering its identity under his management. The Swiss international’s couple of decisive actions on the ball — shielding possession, winning duels, and delivering accurate passes under pressure — have helped Sunderland keep tasks simple and effective during the nerves of a tight contest.
What this point means for Sunderland and their fans
A point against a seasoned Premier League side like Everton carries significance beyond the single result. It reinforces Sunderland’s belief that they can compete with established teams when they execute the game plan and maintain discipline. The club’s supporters have grown fond of a side that is learning quickly, and Xhaka’s contribution has helped galvanize enthusiasm around the project.
From Le Bris’ perspective, the draw offers a platform to build momentum through the next run of fixtures. The tactical plan appears to hinge on a compact defensive structure paired with a creative, technically capable midfield. Xhaka’s ability to read the game, combined with younger teammates’ willingness to push forward, is giving Sunderland a template for steady progress rather than a season of sporadic results.
What’s next for Sunderland?
As the campaign unfolds, Le Bris will likely lean on Xhaka to deliver consistency in performances and leadership on the pitch. Sunderland will be hoping that a few more players can contribute in similar fashion, turning the creditable results into a sustained climb up the table. If Xhaka can maintain his level across weeks and integrate further with his teammates, the Black Cats could become a genuine disruptor for mid-table teams and a thorn in the side of Premier League heavyweights.
In summary, the draw against Everton underlined a simple truth: Granit Xhaka remains a critical asset for Sunderland. With Le Bris guiding his squad and Xhaka steering the midfield, the direction points toward continued improvement and a fight to secure more points as the season progresses.
