Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has praised Arsenal’s midfield, describing Mikel Arteta’s side as one of the strongest teams in the Premier League when it comes to controlling the middle of the pitch.
In this scenario, Xhaka spoke highly of Arsenal’s technical quality, physical strength and tactical discipline, admitting that Sunderland would have to be extremely organised to prevent Arsenal from dominating possession and creating chances through midfield.
Arsenal have developed a reputation for building their attacks from the middle of the pitch, with their midfielders expected to contribute both defensively and offensively. Xhaka believes that combination makes the Gunners particularly difficult to play against.
“Arsenal have a very strong midfield,” Xhaka said in the fictional scenario. “They have players who can keep the ball, players who can make the final pass and players who can win the ball back. When you give them too much space, they can control the entire game.”
Arsenal’s Midfield Quality
According to Xhaka, one of Arsenal’s biggest strengths is the variety of qualities available in their midfield.
Rather than depending on one player to dictate everything, Arsenal can use different midfielders for different purposes. Some can operate deeper and help build attacks, while others are comfortable moving into advanced areas and supporting the forwards.
That flexibility can make it difficult for opponents to establish a defensive plan.
Xhaka believes Sunderland must remain compact whenever Arsenal have possession. Allowing Arsenal’s midfielders to receive the ball freely could give them enough time to turn, carry the ball forward and find attacking players in dangerous positions.
The Sunderland captain also highlighted Arsenal’s ability to move the ball quickly.
“When Arsenal move the ball quickly, it becomes difficult,” he added in the fictional interview. “You can defend one player, but suddenly another midfielder is available. You have to communicate all the time.”
Arteta’s Influence
Xhaka also praised Mikel Arteta for creating a clear tactical identity at Arsenal.
The Arsenal manager has placed significant importance on possession, positioning and coordinated pressing. His midfielders are often required to understand when to stay in position, when to move forward and when to support the defence.
For Xhaka, that tactical understanding is just as important as individual talent.
“You can have talented players, but the way they understand the game is what makes Arsenal dangerous,” he explained in the fictional scenario. “They know where they should be when they have the ball and when they lose it.”
That organisation could make Arsenal particularly difficult for Sunderland to disrupt.
Sunderland’s Challenge
For Sunderland, the task would be to prevent Arsenal from settling into their rhythm.
If Arsenal are allowed to dominate possession from the opening minutes, Sunderland could spend long periods defending without the ball. That would put pressure on their defensive structure and potentially create spaces for Arsenal’s attackers.
Xhaka therefore believes Sunderland must compete aggressively in midfield while remaining disciplined.
The challenge is not simply to win tackles. Sunderland would also need to close passing lanes, track runners and prevent Arsenal from finding their attacking players between the lines.
A midfield battle could ultimately determine how much control either team enjoys.
Xhaka’s Experience
Xhaka’s assessment carries added weight because of his experience playing at the highest level and his previous knowledge of Arsenal’s footballing philosophy.
The midfielder understands how demanding Arteta’s system can be and how much responsibility Arsenal’s midfielders carry during matches.
He knows that Arsenal’s midfield is expected to contribute to every phase of the game.
When Arsenal are defending, the midfielders must help protect the back line. When Arsenal recover possession, they are responsible for progressing the ball. When the team enters the final third, they must create opportunities for the forwards.
That all-round responsibility is one reason Xhaka considers the midfield such an important part of Arsenal’s success.
Arsenal’s Control
One of the biggest compliments Xhaka gave Arsenal in the fictional interview was their ability to control the tempo of a match.
A strong midfield does not always have to play quickly. Sometimes controlling the game means slowing the tempo, keeping possession and forcing the opposition to chase the ball.
At other times, Arsenal can accelerate their passing and attack quickly when a gap appears.
This variation makes them unpredictable.
Sunderland would therefore need to stay focused for the entire match rather than relying on one defensive approach.
Physical Battle
Xhaka also believes the midfield contest could become physical.
Premier League matches often require midfielders to compete for second balls, challenge for possession and cover large areas of the pitch. Arsenal’s midfield possesses enough physical strength to compete in those situations while also maintaining technical quality.
That balance could give Arsenal an advantage.
Sunderland would need to match their intensity while avoiding unnecessary fouls and defensive mistakes.
Arsenal’s Ambitions
Arsenal’s midfield strength is also connected to the club’s wider ambitions.
A team competing for major trophies needs a midfield capable of handling pressure against different types of opponents. Against defensive teams, the midfield must find solutions. Against aggressive teams, it must resist pressure. Against possession-based opponents, it must compete for control.
Xhaka believes Arsenal currently have the qualities required for all three situations.
“They have the quality to play against any type of team,” he said in the fictional scenario. “That is why you cannot switch off against them.”
Sunderland Must Stay Focused
For Sunderland, the message is clear: Arsenal’s midfield cannot be allowed to dictate the match comfortably.
The home side would need to remain compact, communicate effectively and make every possession count.
Xhaka’s comments suggest that Sunderland respect Arsenal’s ability to control matches through the middle of the pitch.
However, football is rarely decided by reputation alone.
Sunderland would still have opportunities if they can disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm, win possession in dangerous areas and launch quick attacks.
The midfield battle could therefore become one of the most important aspects of the contest.
Final Thoughts
Xhaka’s fictional assessment paints a picture of an Arsenal side whose greatest strength lies in its collective midfield structure.
The Gunners have technical quality, tactical discipline, physical presence and the ability to change the tempo of a match. Those qualities can make Arsenal extremely difficult to contain when their midfielders are playing with confidence.
For Sunderland, the challenge is to ensure Arsenal never become completely comfortable.
If Sunderland can compete successfully in midfield, they could make life difficult for Arsenal. But if Arsenal are allowed to control possession and dictate the tempo, Xhaka believes the Gunners could demonstrate why their midfield is considered one of the strongest in the league.
Ultimately, the battle in the middle of the pitch could prove decisive, with both teams needing their midfielders to perform at the highest level.
