Sunderland xG highlights attacking concern despite top-10 position | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Sunderland’s strong Premier League season has been anchored by defence, yet their attacking metrics raise concern.

The Black Cats have seven clean sheets, with only five teams recording more. Only Arsenal on 14 and Manchester City on 19 have conceded fewer than Sunderland’s 22.

In attack they have scored 21, with only bottom side Wolves worse on 15. They rank third-bottom for shots on 199 and chances created on 140.

The xG table places Sunderland 19th on 18.5, with only Burnley lower on 17.9. Wolves may have scored fewer, but Burnley own the worst xG. The top places are held by Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, although United have conceded 32, the seventh-most, which helps explain seventh. Newcastle United sit mid-table on 31.0, overperforming by 1.0.

Sunderland have outperformed their xG to claim vital wins and have taken 15 points from seven clean-sheet matches. Only two victories have been by more than a single goal, 3-0 at West Ham on the opening weekend and 2-0 against Wolves in October.

Their weekend momentum included knocking Everton out of the FA Cup on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Crystal Palace visit the Stadium of Light on Saturday, then comes West Ham in the early Saturday kick-off the following week. Regis Le Bris’ side are 10th with 30 points from 21 games, five behind Liverpool in fourth.

Source: Sunderland Echo