Sunderland defensive record compared with Premier League rivals after Nottingham Forest collapse | OneFootball

Sunderland’s backline has hit a rare slump, with nine goals conceded in two games after allowing only 36 across their first 32 league matches.

They lost to a last-minute strike at Aston Villa, then were beaten 5-0 at home by Nottingham Forest, trailing 4-0 inside 37 minutes. According to Sunderland Echo, they now stand on 45 conceded, level with Manchester United and Chelsea, with only eight teams allowing fewer.

Arsenal hold the division’s best record on 26, with Manchester City next on 29, while Crystal Palace are on 36. Nottingham Forest are also on 45 conceded.

Sunderland have 10 clean sheets, bettered only by Everton on 11, Crystal Palace 12, Manchester City 14 and Arsenal 15. Robin Roefs has nine shutouts, while Melker Ellborg kept one on debut in the 1-0 win at Leeds in early March.

With four matches left, head coach Regis Le Bris must quickly galvanise his squad. Sunderland are four points off sixth, which may yet yield Champions League football, and two off the top eight. Bottom side Wolves, already relegated and with 61 conceded, are next.

Source: Sunderland Echo