Alan Shearer says ‘fantastic’ Sunderland signing keeps winning them games and it’s not Mukiele

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Alan Shearer has continued his praise of North East rivals Sunderland following another impressive win in the Premier League.

The Newcastle United legend has been impressed by what he has seen from the Black Cats upon their return to the top-flight.

Sunderland secured an impressive 1-0 win away at Nottingham Forest, courtesy of Omar Alderete’s 38th-minute goal, and are now sitting in fifth place in the league table.

Regis Le Bris has performed a phenomenal job as the Sunderland boss continues to defy expectations – his side have lost only once thus far.

However, Shearer has pinpointed one summer signing who almost single-handedly secured the three points at the City Ground.

Granit Xhaka is the difference maker for Sunderland

When speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer said that Sunderland’s £17.3 million signing Granit Xhaka was the reason behind the win on Saturday.

“Alderete around the far post. That’s a fantastic ball (from Xhaka). Eventually, that wins them the game. You can see he’s clear, he’s made a really good run, and he needs a delivery to come in and be precise. And that’s exactly what happens. That’s what wins the game, as well as giving everyone the right moment – for the manager, for the away fans – because you can see the difference.”

Shearer lauded Nordi Mukiele for his performances at the Stadium of Light following his move from Paris Saint-Germain this summer and while the Frenchman was excellent once again last time out, all the plaudits have been reserved for Xhaka.

The Swiss international moved one behind leader Jack Grealish in the Premier League assist charts as Sunderland fans compared Xhaka to Kevin De Bruyne.

Indeed, Xhaka has played a part in 57% of the Black Cats’ goals so far and has quickly established himself as the main creative outlet for Le Bris.

With Sunderland now seven points clear of fellow newly promoted side Burnley in the relegation zone, the immediate pressure has been relieved on Wearside.

And Xhaka, who Theo Walcott believes will save Sunderland from relegation, is rolling back the years during his second stint in English football.

Granit Xhaka admits Nottingham Forest should have won

The 33-year-old has remained level-headed after the victory at the City Ground and shared an honest verdict of his side’s performance on Saturday.

Xhaka believes Forest should have won after the hosts dominated the second half, despite Sunderland hanging on to secure a vital three points.

“We had a game plan and we knew that it would be very difficult here, but what a mentality from the team. This is exactly what we need. What support from the fans.

“It looks good to win like this because, of course, I think Nottingham (Forest) were the better team today, but football is not about who is better on the pitch, it is about who scores more, and we won today and we are very happy.”