Phil Smith delivers verdict on Sunderland 1-1 Leeds United
Sunderland's average attendance compared to Manchester City, Newcastle United, Everton and other Premier League rivals.
Since securing promotion via the most dramatic of Championship play-off final wins against Sheffield United, the Black Cats have built the foundations of a highly impressive return to the top flight on their home patch and the Wearside faithful have more than played their part by creating some memorable atmospheres in recent months.
The tone was set on the first day of the season as West Ham United were dispatched at the Stadium of Light on a day when the home support roared their side on to a deserved win. Since that victory over the Hammers, Sunderland have remained unbeaten on home soil as the likes of Aston Villa, Arsenal and Leeds United have all tried and failed to collect a maximum return from their visit to Wearside.
Perhaps the most memorable day of the season came just weeks ago when a Nick Woltemade own goal helped Regis Le Bris’ men claim the local bragging rights with a Wear-Tyne derby win against Newcastle United - although the home faithful will hope a new high is reached on New Years Day when Premier League title contenders Manchester City come calling. The visitors are in fine form and are currently hunting down leaders Arsenal in a bid to reclaim their top flight title.
Another sell-out crowd will be on hand as Sunderland look to continue their impressive return to the Premier League - but where does Sunderland’s average attendance rank compared to their rivals across the top tier of the English game and what has been said about the Black Cats supporters?
What has Regis Le Bris said about Sunderland fans?
Regis Le Bris watched his Sunderland side draw 1-1 against Leeds United.placeholder image
Regis Le Bris watched his Sunderland side draw 1-1 against Leeds United. | AFP via Getty Images
Speaking after the recent derby win against Newcastle United, the Black Cats head coach said: “We will enjoy this result, but I am happy for the players, the club and the fans because they deserve it. I understood what this game meant to the people of the community really quickly - it was probably on the first day when I arrived!
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“I am happy for the fans because it was an important game for them, and they were part of the process today. It is so enjoyable to feel this energy and support. The players managed the situation properly. We stayed focused on our game model and how we wanted to play. The intensity was really important because we knew that it was the key for this game.
Premier League average attendances
Sunderland fans during the game against Leeds United at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League. Photo by Getty.placeholder image
Sunderland fans during the game against Leeds United at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League. Photo by Getty. | Getty Images
Manchester United - 73,987 West Ham United - 62,455 Tottenham Hotspur - 61,001 Liverpool - 60,398 Arsenal - 60,181 Manchester City - 52,391 Everton - 52,198 Newcastle United - 52,152 Sunderland - 46,573 Aston Villa - 41,687 Chelsea - 39,654 Leeds United - 36,708 Brighton and Hove Albion - 31,434 Nottingham Forest - 30,472 Wolverhampton Wanderers - 29,715 Fulham - 27,032 Crystal Palace - 25,025 Burnley - 21,096 Brentford - 17,085 AFC Bournemouth - 11,133
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