Granit Xhaka and Habib Diarra turned to social media following Sunderland’s hard-fought draw against Crystal Palace, sharing messages of both gratitude and determination with the fans. After a tough evening at Selhurst Park, the pair acknowledged the travelling supporters who stood by them during a match that tested every ounce of the team’s resolve.
Sunderland, under the guidance of Régis Le Bris, endured long stretches of Palace pressure, with the hosts riding a 14-match unbeaten streak heading into the clash. Palace fired six shots on target, but the Black Cats stood firm thanks to disciplined defending and another outstanding display from goalkeeper Robin Roefs. The 22-year-old Dutchman, who produced a string of crucial saves, earned man-of-the-match honours and secured his second clean sheet of the season.
Despite failing to register a single shot on target – their first such statistic in the Premier League since 2013 – Sunderland showed grit and organisation to grind out a result at one of the league’s most challenging away grounds. Palace, unbeaten in 15 home matches, grew increasingly frustrated as Le Bris’ men maintained their shape and resisted every wave of attack. The goalless stalemate also carried historic weight for Sunderland, marking their first away clean sheet in the Premier League for over 3,000 days, the last coming in a 2017 win at Hull City. With seven points from their opening four fixtures, the Black Cats have matched their best-ever start to a Premier League season, equalling the record set in 2001-02.
Captain Granit Xhaka led by example in midfield and later praised the away fans, writing: “Amazing support. Thanks for travelling all the way to cheer us – big point for us all.” His teammate, summer signing Habib Diarra, echoed those feelings after another tireless shift in the middle of the park: “Good battle, important point. Hungry for more.” Both players have quickly become central figures in Le Bris’ rejuvenated squad, with Xhaka’s leadership and Diarra’s youthful energy shaping the team’s growing identity. Sunderland will now aim to extend their unbeaten home run when they welcome Aston Villa to the Stadium of Light, where fans are once again expected to pack the Roker End.
Meanwhile, Le Bris offered an update on Enzo Le Fée, who was unexpectedly absent from the matchday squad. The midfielder sustained a minor injury during training on Friday, forcing him out of contention. His absence saw Simon Adingra drafted into the starting lineup, while Wilson Isidor replaced Eliezer Mayenda in the other change from the Brentford win. After the match, Le Bris admitted there is no clear timeline yet for Le Fée’s return but reassured supporters that the injury is not considered serious. “It doesn’t seem too bad, but we’ll see,” he explained. “He’s an important player because he gives us unpredictability, combining the qualities of a winger and a number 10. It would have been very useful to have him today, but hopefully it won’t be long.”
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