Granit Xhaka shared a message on Instagram after Sunderland’s defeat to Brighton. on Saturday afternoon

Granit Xhaka has delivered a message to Sunderland supporters following the Black Cats’ 1-0 defeat to Brighton at the Stadium of Light.

Yankuba Minteh’s unusual second-half goal proved the difference as Sunderland slipped to a third successive home defeat in the Premier League. The Brighton winger bundled the ball in from an extremely tight angle in the 58th minute, with his sliced cross from the byline creeping past Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg at the near post.

The goal came amid protests from the home side after Habib Diarra had gone down inside the penalty area following a clash with Lewis Dunk moments before the delivery. However, the video assistant referee cleared the incident and the goal stood. Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who appeared to block Ellborg’s view, was also deemed to be onside.

The result lifted Fabian Hurzeler’s side above Sunderland into 10th place on goal difference, while also securing Brighton’s first win on Wearside since 1981. Sunderland had chances of their own in what was a tight contest. Ellborg produced an excellent save to deny Jack Hinshelwood from close range, while Chemsdine Talbi saw a powerful effort cleared off the line by Brighton captain Dunk.

The Black Cats also had the ball in the net through Chris Rigg, only for the effort to be ruled out as Omar Alderete was adjudged to be offside in the build-up. After the final whistle, Sunderland midfielder Xhaka took to Instagram to send a message following the defeat. Posting a photo from the game, the Switzerland international wrote: “We fall. We stand up. ❤️🤍 #GX34”

Enzo Le Fèe could make the derby on Sunday

Le Bris confirmed that both Angulo and Le Fée had suffered setbacks in training ahead of the game. The news forced another reshuffle of the Black Cats’ attacking options and added fresh uncertainty heading into next weekend’s Tyne-Wear derby.

Before the game, Le Bris provided an update on Angulo and Le Fee ahead of the game against Newcastle: “Yeah, they picked up injuries during the training session, which is a shame, but it is what it is. We are more or less in this cycle when it's hard to manage the load, but we still have a strong starting XI, players on the bench to help the squad. It's a bit early, probably for Nilson; it might last four weeks, six weeks, and for Enzo, it might be less. I hope for the derby against Newcastle.”

Le Bris also revealed that Wilson Isidor is managing an injury issue, which is why he wasn’t risked in the closing stages even as Sunderland laboured to get back into the game following Yankuba Minteh’s goal midway through the second half.

“It wasn't possible [to bring Wilson on] because he got an injury,” Le Bris said. “We were really on the edge. We were cautious. We could have pushed him, but it was risky. Rather than taking risks, it was the case for Brian as well. Brian can go all the way, but because we pushed until the end rather than keeping 65-70 minutes because it was the load expected, we can lose another player.

“At the minute, we are struggling a bit. We are just on the edge, but we try our best to keep the team safe. Dan had discomfort with his hamstring, so we hope it isn't too serious. We expect Enzo to be ready for Newcastle; it might be possible. For Nilson, we'll have to wait at least four to six weeks. Reinildo will train with us tomorrow, so that's good news.”

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