Granit Xhaka risks wrath of Tottenham and Arsenal fans after surprise comment
Granit Xhaka experienced his fair share of North London derby showdowns during his time as an Arsenal player.
The now-Sunderland midfielder played 15 times against Tottenham in total across all competitions between 2016 and 2023.
Indeed, Xhaka has only played against five teams more often than he has Spurs, with Bayern Munich topping that list.
However, the 33-year-old has now made a surprising admission about the famous Tottenham and Arsenal fixture.
Granit Xhaka says Wear-Tyne derby is bigger than North London derby
Xhaka is now plying his trade at Sunderland, who recently took inspiration from Tottenham – or more specifically, Daniel Levy.
The Switzerland international has admittedly been superb upon his return to English football and will be one to watch when Spurs face Sunderland early next month.
Xhaka will have his first taste of the Wear-Tyne derby on Sunday when Sunderland host fierce rivals Newcastle at the Stadium of Light.
And speaking to Premier League Productions ahead of the game, Xhaka made a comment that will not go down well on either side of the North London divide.
“I had many rivals as well in my career, but I think this one will be the biggest,” he said.
“Let’s try and give the fans and the club something big. We have one objective, and it’s to win the game.“
It may well be a case of Xhaka pandering to his new fanbase, but it is a huge shout to suggest there is a bigger rivalry around than Tottenham against Arsenal.
Xhaka already relishing Tottenham clash with Sunderland
There is no love lost between Xhaka and Tottenham fans, who will be sure to give him a ‘warm’ welcome in January.
Speaking to Sunderland’s media team upon joining the club in the summer, Xhaka picked out Tottenham – alongside Newcastle and Arsenal – as the three fixtures he was most looking forward to.
“I have the derby as well, Arsenal versus Tottenham, the atmosphere there is incredible,” Xhaka said.
Xhaka was on the winning side in six of his 15 meetings with Arsenal – all in the Premier League except one EFL Cup tie – while drawing three and losing the other five.
Not many players get to experience multiple high-profile derbies in English football, and it will be interesting to see if Xhaka stands by these comments after this weekend’s match.
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