Xhaka Hails “Special” Sunderland Newcastle Derby Win as New Home Shines

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka called the Wear-Tyne derby win “special.” The Black Cats defeated rivals Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light. The victory marked the first Premier League meeting between the sides in years.

Xhaka, a veteran of major European leagues, found the occasion uniquely powerful. He stressed the team must stay grounded despite the emotional high. The win provided three crucial points in the league table.

Derby Emotion and Instant Connection Define Xhaka’s Sunderland Start

The midfielder explained why this derby felt different. He referenced the long wait for the fixture. It was also his first derby experience for Sunderland.

“You have the pressure,” Xhaka said, according to sports reports. He noted some teammates remembered a prior loss. He called it an emotional game for him personally.

The scenes after the goal highlighted the passion. Xhaka described the fans’ faces as “just wow.” He said such moments bring powerful emotions for everyone involved.

Choosing the Project and Building for Premier League Demands

Xhaka explained his quick decision to join Sunderland. Conversations with the club’s leadership sold him on the project. He felt positive energy and a strong connection immediately.

He described Sunderland as a small city with big-hearted people. Xhaka said he connected with the fans’ passion from his first days. He sees parallels with his own driven background.

The captain emphasized total commitment as the foundation. This includes work ethic, mentality, and recovery. He believes this is non-negotiable for Premier League success.

The Sunderland Newcastle derby win provided a landmark moment for the club’s new era. Granit Xhaka’s leadership and instant bond with the city are central to the story. The victory sets a standard for the challenges ahead.

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Q1: Why was this Sunderland vs. Newcastle match so significant?

It was the first Premier League derby between the rivals in many years. The long wait amplified the pressure and emotion for players and fans on both sides of the divide.

Q2: What did Granit Xhaka say about the fans after the win?

Xhaka described the Stadium of Light crowd as having “big hearts.” He pointed to the immediate emotional connection he felt with the city and its passionate supporters from his first days at the club.

Q3: How did Xhaka explain his decision to join Sunderland?

He said he loves a challenge and decided quickly after speaking with the club’s leadership. The positive energy and clear project vision made him want to be part of building something special.

Q4: What is Xhaka’s focus for the team after this big win?

The captain insists the team must stay grounded, calling it just three points. His focus is on total commitment in work, mentality, and recovery to meet Premier League demands every week.

Q5: Did Xhaka compare this derby to others in his career?

While experienced in major fixtures, he said this one was “special” due to the unique context. The historical weight and his new role as Sunderland captain made it a distinct and privileged experience.