Granit Xhaka believes that Sunderland deserve more respect after boosting their European hopes with a win over Spurs at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Nordi Mukiele was the beneficiary of a wicked deflection when his effort from range smacked off Micky van de Ven and past the helpless Antonin Kinsky.
But the hosts were value for their victory over a rudderless Tottenham side in their first home match for nearly a month.
Xhaka demands respect for Sunderland following Spurs win
“After four weeks of not being at home, it was so important to give the fans what they needed,” Xhaka told Sky Sports. “We knew before the season that we can beat everyone if we stay like this with the hunger and desire and take the three points.
“Not the first time we are playing against a team who have changed manager. He [Roberto de Zerbi] has the mentality to win but we knew what we had to do and it was nearly a perfect game.”
Sunderland were widely tipped to be involved in a relegation battle after gaining promotion to the Premier League last season, but Sunday’s win has moved them up to 10th in the table. They are just one point off Brentford in seventh, which will be enough to qualify for Europe.
“Before the season, nobody expected us to be where we are,” Xhaka added. “When I signed it was 2 per cent chance of us staying up and now it is over 100 per cent. Give this football club respect. We stay humble and see what we can do until the end.”
Asked whether he is surprised about Spurs being in the relegation zone, he responded: “It’s not my job to speak about Spurs. I am not a Spurs player. I look after these boys and this football club. We look after ourselves and let’s see where we get to.”
