Granit Xhaka Rescue Earns Everton Draw at Sunderland

Published: 04 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

David Moyes returned to the Stadium of Light on Saturday, facing a Sunderland side that bore little resemblance to the struggling team he managed eight years ago. Back in 2016, Moyes oversaw a disastrous relegation campaign, which saw Sunderland finish bottom of the Premier League with just 24 points, marking the only relegation of his managerial career. Injuries, poor signings, and a lack of cohesion plagued the team that season, leaving fans to endure a demoralising campaign that ultimately ended in Moyes’ resignation.

This time, however, Sunderland presented a very different picture. Under the guidance of Régis Le Bris, the Black Cats had moved up to fourth place in the Championship ahead of their home clash with Premier League visitors Everton. The match ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw, with Granit Xhaka cancelling out Iliman Ndiaye’s early strike in a game that showcased Sunderland’s renewed resilience and determination.

Everton dominated large portions of the first half, with Jack Grealish providing a constant threat from the left. A 20-yard strike from Grealish rattled the post, while Thierno Barry played a key role in the lead-up to Everton’s opening goal. Ndiaye, supported by Barry’s movement on the right flank, superbly evaded three Sunderland defenders before slotting the ball past Robin Roefs, whose impressive goalkeeping had kept Sunderland in contention for much of the season. Despite Everton’s dominance, Sunderland showed glimpses of resilience in the closing stages of the first half, with Dan Ballard heading a dangerous ball from Nordi Mukiele, forcing a scramble in the Everton defence. Jordan Pickford, making his first return to the Stadium of Light since leaving Sunderland, remained largely untested in the first 45 minutes.

The second half saw a revitalised Sunderland side. True to the spirit of their previous Championship playoff campaign, they continued to press relentlessly, determined not to be left behind. Their persistence paid off almost immediately after the restart. Granit Xhaka, inadvertently assisted by James Tarkowski’s deflection, capitalised on a pass from Enzo Le Fée to score, leveling the game and sparking wild celebrations among the home fans. The Stadium of Light erupted as Sunderland demonstrated their tactical discipline, tenacity, and hunger for results against top-flight opposition.

Sunderland maintained pressure throughout the second half, relentlessly pressing Everton and frequently regaining possession. Long throws from Mukiele caused repeated panic in the visiting side’s defence, and several opportunities fell narrowly wide, including a headed chance from Mukiele that sailed over the bar. Everton, for their part, struggled to regain a foothold in the game, with Dwight McNeil introduced to provide fresh energy, but their attacks lacked cohesion as Sunderland continued to dominate possession and tempo.

Moyes reflected on the encounter with a measured perspective. “After 30 minutes, I’d have been disappointed to be only going home with a point,” he admitted. “After 90 minutes I was quite pleased with a point.” He praised Sunderland’s transformation since his tenure, acknowledging the efforts of Le Bris and the club in rebuilding a side capable of competing at a high level. “They’ve done amazingly to bring themselves back round. Maybe they’ve been away longer than they hoped to be, but it’s great to see them back. They’re doing a brilliant job,” Moyes noted, showing respect for the club’s progress.

For Régis Le Bris, the result was a reminder of the league’s difficulty and competitiveness. “We didn’t start well. They were better than us, they were dominant,” he said of the first half. Despite the initial setback, he emphasized the value of gaining a point against a strong Everton side. “Not really disappointed, because this league is so tough. It’s a good reminder how hard it is to win a single point. We started really well this season, so we might forget that we are still a promoted team. It’s a good point.”

The match highlighted Sunderland’s resurgence from the depths of League One just a few years ago to a club capable of challenging and containing Premier League opposition. Their ability to remain organised, press effectively, and convert moments of opportunity into goals underlines the team’s evolution. Meanwhile, Everton’s performance showed glimpses of their quality but also the challenges they face against a well-drilled and motivated side.

Tactically, Sunderland’s game plan was executed with precision. Their focus on pressing, winning second balls, and exploiting set-piece opportunities made them a constant threat. Granit Xhaka’s equaliser epitomised the chaotic yet effective nature of Sunderland’s attacking strategy, showing both opportunism and clinical execution. Everton’s attempts to respond were stifled by Sunderland’s defensive organisation, and the home crowd played a significant role in keeping the team motivated, turning every challenge into a roaring call for support.

Moyes’ return to Sunderland served as a poignant reminder of the club’s contrasting fortunes across the years. From a side in freefall to a competitive Championship outfit capable of holding Premier League opposition to a draw, Sunderland’s journey has been remarkable. Moyes himself acknowledged the contrast, praising the club’s management and players for the transformation they have achieved.

By the final whistle, Sunderland’s players and supporters could take pride in the result. A point against Everton, secured through resilience and determination, underscored the progress made since the club’s darkest days. Meanwhile, Everton salvaged a draw but were left reflecting on missed chances and the intensity required to break down a well-prepared opponent.

In summary, the 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light highlighted not only the enduring spirit of Sunderland but also the challenges and unpredictability inherent in football. For Moyes, it was a bittersweet return, confronting memories of past failures while witnessing a club reborn through strategic management, determination, and the unwavering support of its fans. For Sunderland, the match reinforced their identity as a team that refuses to yield, demonstrating a capacity to compete against higher-tier opposition while holding on to the lessons of their journey back to prominence.