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

After weeks of solidity, Sunderland’s defence has suffered a rare dip that reframes their standing against Premier League rivals.

Sunderland Echo notes that their unexpected European push has been built on a rock-solid back line.

A last-minute defeat at Aston Villa was followed by a 5-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest, with the hosts 4-0 down inside 37 minutes.

Even so, only eight teams have conceded fewer goals. Sunderland have allowed 45, level with Manchester United and Chelsea.

They remain strong for clean sheets, with 10, bettered only by Everton on 11, Crystal Palace on 12, Manchester City on 14 and Arsenal on 15.

Robin Roefs has nine of those shutouts, and back-up goalkeeper Melker Ellborg claimed one on debut in the 1-0 win at Leeds in early March.

Head coach Regis Le Bris needs to rally his side quickly with four matches left. They are four points off sixth, which may yet yield Champions League football, and two off the top eight.

Next up are bottom side Wolves, already relegated and with the division’s second-highest goals against, 61.

Source: Sunderland Echo