Xhaka reignites Sunderland's hopes: from the bottom to the top 4.

Sunderland are living through a brilliant new chapter. After the chaotic period depicted in Sunderland 'Til I Die', Regis Le Bris's side are now fourth after 10 games and are preparing to host Arsenal at the Stadium of Light. At the heart of that story is Granit Xhaka – not necessarily the best, but the most influential player.

From chaos to a flourishing present.

By the time the cameras were brought into the Stadium of Light, Sunderland were at the depths of crisis: the eccentric chief executive was using a cryotherapy chamber that even the players avoided; the £4 million Will Grigg transfer on the last day of the transfer window had become a symbol of panic; Jack Rodwell was earning £70,000 a week in League One but was spending his long term in the medical room.

Despite the efforts of the local staff, they still dropped two leagues in a row, from the Premier League to League One, becoming the laughing stock of the football world. The fact that the team was co-owned by an "aristocrat" who once suggested that Ibiza house music was more suitable than Prokofiev's Dance of the Knights to open matches, and who frequently strolled around Wearside in bright red trousers, only accentuated the chaotic atmosphere.

The new era of "Black Cats"

Those days are now a thing of the past. After winning the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United, Sunderland spent wisely in the summer transfer window: bringing in 14 new players, all of whom have made an impact. The result is a fourth-place finish after 10 games – something that was once considered impossible.

The atmosphere at Wearside has changed: a large section of fans believe Sunderland can slow Arsenal's progress in the Premier League title race when the two sides meet this weekend.

Xhaka – his impact and his potential move to Arsenal.

Among the new signings, Granit Xhaka may not be the best player, but he is the most influential figure. Ahead of his reunion with his former club, he said: “This game will definitely be very emotional for me – I had seven wonderful years there. I’ve kept in touch with many of the players and coaching staff. It’s special to see them again at Sunderland. Hopefully I can enjoy the game and we’ll see which team is better on that day.”

Xhaka's relationship with the fans at Emirates Stadium has been turbulent. In 2019, during a match against Crystal Palace, he was booed and reacted violently: waving sarcastically, cursing back at the crowd, and throwing his shirt to the ground before leaving the pitch – an image that made him the scapegoat for a period of crisis.

Since leaving Arsenal, Xhaka has won a domestic double (Bundesliga and German Cup) with Bayer Leverkusen. This season, he scored his first goal against Everton and entered the reunion as the central figure in Sunderland's story.

Conflicting expectations

Sunderland fans and even neutral observers are hoping for a strong performance from Xhaka – a leader with significant influence in the dressing room and on the pitch. Meanwhile, many at Arsenal are hoping for a return of his past "hot temper," with the familiar scenario of him losing his composure and being sent off with a red card.

Key figures and milestones

• Position: Fourth after 10 matches in the Premier League.
• Transfers: 14 summer signings, "all of them have made an impact".
• A turbulent past: two consecutive relegations, from the Premier League to League One.
• Will Grigg transfer: £4 million on the final day of the transfer window.
• Jack Rodwell: earning £70,000 a week in League One, with a long-term commitment to the medical department.
• Xhaka's titles after leaving Arsenal: a Bundesliga double and the German Cup with Bayer Leverkusen.
• This season: Xhaka scored against Everton.

Impact ahead of the Arsenal match

The clash at Stadium of Light is seen as a benchmark for Sunderland's progress in this new era. If they can slow down Arsenal's momentum, the Black Cats will reinforce their belief that they have not only escaped their current slump but also possess the character to compete in the top half. For Xhaka, this is an opportunity to put an end to past jinxes and assert his leadership role in a rapidly evolving campaign.