Sunderland defensive record set against Premier League rivals after Nottingham Forest collapse | OneFootball

Sunderland’s outstanding defensive season has been jolted by nine goals conceded in two matches, yet their numbers still compare well across the Premier League.

According to Sunderland Echo, their European push had been underpinned by only 36 conceded in the first 32 games. The slide featured a last-minute defeat at Aston Villa, then a 5-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest after trailing 4-0 inside 37 minutes.

Sunderland are 12th for goals against on 45, with only eight teams conceding fewer. Arsenal have the best record on 26, Manchester City are next on 29, and Crystal Palace, Brighton and Everton follow on 36 and 39. Sunderland are level with Manchester United and Chelsea on 45.

They also rank well for clean sheets with 10. Only Everton on 11, Crystal Palace on 12, Manchester City on 14 and Arsenal on 15 have more. Robin Roefs has nine shutouts, while back-up Melker Ellborg kept one on debut in the 1-0 win at Leeds in early March.

Regis Le Bris has four matches to reset, with Sunderland four points off sixth, which may yet deliver Champions League football, and two off the top eight. Next up are bottom side Wolves, already relegated and carrying the league’s second-worst defensive record on 61 conceded.

Source: Sunderland Echo