admin“He’s the player behind all the wins and will be UNDROPPABLE for Le Bris at Sunderland”- Alan Shearer says ‘fantastic’ Sunderland signing keeps winning them games and it’s not Mukiele
Alan Shearer Continues Praise for Sunderland After Another Premier League Statement Win
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has once again applauded Sunderland following their latest Premier League triumph, recognizing the impressive form the Black Cats have shown since returning to the top flight.
Sunderland claimed a hard-fought 1-0 away victory against Nottingham Forest, with Omar Alderete scoring the decisive goal in the 38th minute.
The win sees Régis Le Bris’s side climb to fifth in the Premier League table, continuing a remarkable run that has seen them lose just once so far this season.
While Sunderland’s overall performance drew praise, Shearer singled out one summer signing who, in his view, was instrumental in securing the three points.
Granit Xhaka the Key Man in Sunderland’s Success
Speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer highlighted Granit Xhaka’s decisive contribution, pinpointing the Swiss international’s perfect delivery for Alderete’s winning goal.
“Alderete at the far post – that’s a fantastic ball from Xhaka. That moment wins them the game,” Shearer explained. “You can see Alderete’s made a clever run, and the delivery had to be spot-on. It was. That’s the difference – it gives the manager and the away fans a big moment to celebrate.”
Xhaka’s impact has not gone unnoticed this season. Signed for £17.3 million, the former Arsenal midfielder has quickly become the creative heartbeat of Le Bris’s team.
His assist at the City Ground brings him within one of Premier League leader Jack Grealish in the assist rankings, and his overall involvement now accounts for 57% of Sunderland’s goals.
While Nordi Mukiele, a summer arrival from PSG, has also impressed at the Stadium of Light, it’s Xhaka who has taken most of the spotlight in recent weeks. His performances have even led fans to draw comparisons to Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.
Xhaka Keeps Perspective After Narrow Victory
Despite the plaudits, the 33-year-old Xhaka remained grounded in his post-match comments. Speaking after the win over Forest, he admitted his side had been second-best for much of the game but praised Sunderland’s grit and mental strength.
“We had a game plan and knew this would be a tough place to come,” Xhaka said. “What a mentality from the team, though. That’s exactly what we need — and the support from the fans was fantastic.”
“It’s a great feeling to win like this, even if I think Nottingham Forest were the better team today. But football isn’t always about who plays better — it’s about who finishes their chances. We did that, and we’re happy with the result.”
Sunderland Pulling Away from Relegation Battle
The win puts Sunderland seven points clear of fellow promoted side Burnley, easing any early-season relegation worries.
With Granit Xhaka in inspired form, and the team continuing to defy expectations under Le Bris, there’s growing belief that Sunderland’s Premier League return may be far more than just a survival story.
Theo Walcott recently echoed that sentiment, stating he believes Xhaka could be the key to keeping Sunderland up — and based on current form, few would disagree.
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