SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Danny Rohl, Manager of Sheffield Wednesday, celebrates victory in front of the Sheffield Wednesday fans after avoiding relegation after the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday at Stadium of Light on May 04, 2024 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
Ex-Newcastle United man highlights ‘serious problem’ that Sunderland have right now
Former Newcastle United man John Anderson has been blown away by this ‘incredible’ Sunderland statistic from the 2023/24 season.
Sunderland capped their disappointing 2023/24 season with an equally disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Sheffield Wednesday.
The Owls secured their Championship safety at the Stadium of Light, staying behind to soak up the celebrations whilst Sunderland fans quickly emptied the stadium.
The Black Cats finish in 16th place of the Championship table under Mike Dodds who replaced Michael Beale after his sacking in February.
Tony Mowbray was the man in charge at the start of the campaign and Sunderland’s season was shaping up nicely, with the Black Cats just three points outside the top six at the time of his exit.
A key problem for the Black Cats this season has been their lack of goals. But Sunderland actually have one of the best defensive records in the Championship.
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John Anderson highlights ‘serious problem’ that Sunderland have
Speaking on Total Sport, Anderson reacted to some comments from Sunderland captain Luke O’Nien following the Sheffield Wednesday defeat.
O’Nien highlighted the fact that Sunderland have the fifth-best defensive record in the Championship this season; they conceded 54 goals, with only Bristol City, West Brom, Leeds United, and Leicester City conceding less.
Anderson said: “That’s incredible. That really is incredible. If you’ve got the fifth-best defensive record in the league and you finish 16th, that is a serious problem.”
Sunderland ended the campaign with a -2 goal difference after scoring just 52 times, with 15 of those goals coming from Jack Clarke, and then seven from Jobe Bellingham.
Sunderland strikers Nazariy Rusyn, Luis Hemir, and Mason Burstow scored just three Championship goals between them in 2023/24.
