Sunderland’s discipline in focus as Le Bris’ side rank among Premier League’s most-booked | OneFootball

Sunderland’s edge without the ball has underpinned an impressive Premier League return. They sit 11th after a memorable 2-1 comeback at Newcastle United before the international break, with seven games left and an outside shot at Europe while relegation worries have not materialised.

Regis Le Bris has leaned on organisation and bite. Sunderland have conceded 36 goals in 31 matches, and only four sides have let in more. Sunderland Echo notes that only five teams have been shown more cards, with 65 bookings and two dismissals for a total of 67.

They rank sixth for cautions on 65. Trai Hume has eight yellows, Noah Sadiki and Reinildo Mandava have seven apiece, and Omar Alderete has six. Hume’s tally is the division’s third-highest, with Brighton’s Lewis Dunk out in front on 10 and the only player in double figures.

Sunderland’s two reds place them mid-pack, while Chelsea have seven and Bournemouth five. Reinildo was the first Black Cats player dismissed, after 33 minutes of September’s 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa. Luke O’Nien then saw red late on at Manchester City in December, six minutes after coming on in a 3-0 defeat.

Enzo Le Fee, Alderete and Reinildo have committed the most Sunderland fouls with 26 each. Dan Ballard and Hume follow on 25.

Source: Sunderland Echo