admin100% Tackles, 100% Dribbles”- Not Xhaka: This Sunderland star was their “standout player” vs Newcastle
Sunderland supporters had waited ten long years for this occasion, with the Black Cats finally renewing their fierce Premier League rivalry with Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light.
From a Sunderland point of view, the afternoon could hardly have gone better. Régis Le Bris’ side claimed local bragging rights thanks to a bizarre moment early in the second half, when Nick Woltemade inadvertently headed the ball beyond his own goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The German striker’s misjudged touch proved decisive, leaving Newcastle stunned and Woltemade visibly distraught as the ball nestled in the net.
While that freak own goal ultimately decided the contest, it was far from the only talking point. Several Sunderland players delivered outstanding performances, none more so than captain Granit Xhaka, who once again set the tone in a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
Xhaka leads by example
At full-time, Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards labelled Xhaka an “absolute warrior”, a fitting description for a midfielder who once again underlined his importance.
Although he surrendered possession 16 times, the Swiss international more than made up for it with relentless ball-winning, winning every single tackle he attempted.
Le Bris will have known that controlling the midfield was key to overcoming Eddie Howe’s side, and Xhaka delivered exactly that. Newcastle struggled to compete in the centre of the pitch, with players such as Sandro Tonali failing to register a single tackle against Sunderland’s dominant captain.
Drawing on his experience of high-pressure derbies from his Arsenal days, Xhaka imposed himself from the opening whistle.
He recorded the most touches of any player in the first half with 50, while also completing 43 passes as he calmly dictated play. By the final whistle, his exhausted appearance told the story of a captain who had given everything, making it easy for supporters to lavish praise on their midfield general.
Reinildo shines at the back
Xhaka was not the only Sunderland player to earn plaudits. After Woltemade’s own goal, the Black Cats took firm control, with their defence once again proving resilient against a largely ineffective Newcastle attack.
Reinildo, in particular, caught the eye on the left side of defence. Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley described him as Sunderland’s “standout player” during an impressive first-half display, while journalist Andy Sixsmith noted that the former Atletico Madrid defender gave Anthony Elanga “no sniff” during his time on the pitch.
Beyond shutting down Newcastle’s threats, Reinildo matched Xhaka’s energy and intensity throughout the match.
He finished with the same number of tackles won as the Sunderland captain, surpassed him in duels won, and completed every dribble he attempted, offering both defensive security and an attacking outlet.
Signed on a free transfer in the summer, Reinildo is already looking like a remarkable piece of business. His display followed another flawless defensive outing against Liverpool at Anfield, where he also won all of his duels.
As the final whistle sounded, celebrations erupted around the Stadium of Light. Xhaka and Reinildo were among those leading the jubilant scenes, their combined efforts having secured a priceless three points.
With Sunderland now sitting seventh in the table, five places above their Tyneside rivals, it was a near-perfect day for Le Bris and his players — and further confirmation that Reinildo has firmly nailed down the left-back spot.
admin
