Sunderland defender Luke O'Nien has offered a fascinating insight into Granit Xhaka's leadership behind the scenes following his early substitution against Chelsea, amid online speculation surrounding the midfielder's commitment.

Xhaka's performances have come under increasing scrutiny following Sunderland's difficult start to the Premier League season, with some supporters questioning whether the events of the summer have affected the Switzerland international.

The midfielder was at the centre of a transfer saga involving Chelsea during the summer window, and his subsequent dip in form has inevitably prompted discussion among supporters. However, O'Nien has revealed that Xhaka continued to play an important leadership role even after being forced off during Sunderland's 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light.

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The midfielder was withdrawn during the opening stages of the contest after an injury, with youngster Jules Ahoka introduced in his place. Xhaka headed straight down the tunnel following his substitution, something which raised eyebrows among supporters watching on and prompted accusations of the ex-Arsenal man not being committed.

But O'Nien has revealed that the Sunderland captain was actually offering tactical advice to his teammates behind the scenes, despite being unable to contribute on the pitch. "Yeah, even Granit today, when he came off in the first couple of minutes, he's in the changing rooms, sitting next to me giving tactics," O'Nien explained.

"If that's not captaincy that people can't see, they won't see behind the scenes, but that's what you want from your skipper. Even though he's not involved, he's right next to me, he's saying what he sees, and he's done that from the very get-go."

Sunderland's victory provided a much-needed boost for under-pressure head coach Régis Le Bris, with the Black Cats producing a vastly improved display to secure three crucial Premier League points. O’Nien added after the game: "Even when you lose, it's how do you show up the next day?

“What do you then do? And I think the reaction over the last couple of weeks, even last week when we got that 3-1 defeat, it's how do you respond? How do you keep showing up? And if you keep showing up the right way, then you give opportunities like today. So, very proud of the boys."