Sunderland fans will absolutely love what Jamie Carragher said about Granit Xhaka after Everton draw
Granit Xhaka produced another incredible performance for Sunderland during their 1-1 draw against Everton.
Sunderland captured Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, and since then, the former Arsenal star has proven to be one of the Premier League’s best signings.
The 33-year-old has set a relentless standard in the middle of the park, with Matt Le Tissier blown away by Xhaka’s early-season form.
The all-action midfielder has impressed with his all-round game, including his ability to dictate play, win possession back and produce vital moments, something he did once more against Everton.
Jamie Carragher wowed by Granit Xhaka vs Everton
After Iliman Ndiaye gave Everton the lead at Sunderland, Regis Le Bris’ side required some magic from his players, and it came from Xhaka 42 seconds into the second half.
The Switzerland international rifled a low strike past Jordan Pickford outside the box to score his first goal for the club.
Xhaka, who was named Sunderland captain shortly after joining in the summer, leads by example on the pitch, and Jamie Carragher felt he was ‘head and shoulders’ above the rest at the Stadium of Light.
“I thought Granit Xhaka was absolutely fantastic. Not just the goal. Head and shoulders above everyone else on that pitch tonight,” Carragher said on Sky Sports Monday Night Football.
The former Liverpool defender also gave his verdict on Sunderland and said how many points they would need to ‘guarantee’ survival after their stunning start.
“When you think of the results this weekend,” he added. “Burnley who have come up, lost. Leeds, lost. it’s another little point. You just keep ticking along. Because there will come a stage this season where Sunderland no go a few games without picking points up.
“Keep ticking along and get as close to 35 or 36 points, which is almost guaranteed survival in the Premier League.”
Xhaka’s incredible stats vs Everton
Sunderland’s beginning to the 2025/26 campaign is beyond every supporter’s wildest dreams, as many tipped the Black Cats to struggle.
Xhaka, of course, has been pivotal during their record-breaking start, and it wasn’t just scoring the equaliser where the experienced midfielder impressed.
| Granit Xhaka’s stats vs Everton |
| 90 minutes played |
| 1 goal |
| 60/68 (88%) pass completion |
| 5 key passes |
| 6 recoveries |
| 5/7 ground duels won |
A return of five key passes and an 88 per cent pass completion demonstrates how Xhaka orchestrated proceedings against Everton, and the Swiss maestro is quickly becoming a fan favourite.