'Very happy for one guy': Sunderland star Granit Xhaka sends message to Arsenal man ahead of PL game
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has said that he is very happy for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after he guided the Gunners to a long-awaited Premier League title.
Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for the English crown last term. They had to work hard for the title and eventually won with a seven-point gap over Manchester City.
The Gunners have started their title defence in fine fashion with three straight wins. They have already beaten Coventry City, Aston Villa and Chelsea, but could face a sterner challenge tonight.
Sunderland played out a 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Stadium of Light last term. It could be another tricky affair, though the Gunners will be aiming to come on top with three points this time.
Ahead of the game, Xhaka spoke on The Sports Agents podcast. The Switzerland international was asked about his former club Arsenal and how he felt after they won a long-awaited league title.
The 33-year-old said that he was ‘very happy for one guy’ in Arteta. He acknowledged that the Spanish tactician transformed him to another level after a forgettable period in 2019.
The Black Cats midfielder was also happy for his former teammates who secured the trophy.
He said: “First of all, I was very, very happy for one guy, and that’s Mikel Arteta. He is the guy who brought me to another level, where I am today. Without him in 2019, I had no chance to come out of myself and then after.
“I am more than happy for the players I played with because they deserve all the respect, because I know how much they struggled in the beginning and how much work was behind the scenes to get the trophy last season.”
Arsenal take on Sunderland on Wearside in today’s late kick-off. The Gunners had a testing challenge last time around. They faced a physical battle against the Black Cats, who made a bright start on their top-flight return.
With the game played under the lights, the Gunners can expect more of the same. Mikel Arteta’s side have looked a more composed and confident unit after their title success, but it won’t be a straightforward contest.
The Gunners are presently behind league leaders Manchester City on goals scored (nine points in three games) and could cement the top spot with a victory over Sunderland. Man City have a tougher assignment against arch-rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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