How does Sunderland's current form compare to their rivals across the Premier League?
There can be no doubt Sunderland have surpassed expectations during their first season back in the Premier League and have already provided Wearside with a whole host of memorable moments.
Since securing promotion with a Wembley win against Sheffield United in May, Sunderland have been transformed on and off the pitch and they have racked up notable wins against the likes of Newcastle United, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest during the first two thirds of the season. Regis Le Bris’ side have also proven their worth against the two sides currently in the title battle after earning fully deserved draws against Arsenal and Manchester City at the Stadium of Light.
Despite last weekend’s home defeat against Fulham, the Black Cats are sitting just four points adrift of the top seven and dreams of securing only the second European campaign in the club’s history still remain very much alive. However, there is no doubt Sunderland’s form in recent weeks has dipped from their impressive form prior to the hectic Christmas period.
Since claiming that memorable Wear-Tyne derby win against Newcastle, the Black Cats have won just two of their last eleven games and have slipped into the bottom half of the table after spending the majority of the season in and around the top ten. But how does their form compare to their rivals across the Premier League?
Premier League 10-game form table
Manchester United are targeting multiple midfield signings ahead of next summer.placeholder image
Manchester United are targeting multiple midfield signings ahead of next summer. | Getty Images
1. Manchester United - 22 points 2. Arsenal - 19 points 3. Manchester City - 19 points 4. Brentford - 17 points 5. Chelsea - 16 points 6. Liverpool - 16 points 7. AFC Bournemouth - 16 points 8. Aston Villa - 15 points 9. Fulham - 14 points 10. Everton - 13 points 11. Newcastle United - 13 points 12. West Ham United - 12 points 13. Leeds United - 12 points 14. Brighton and Hove Albion - 10 points 15. Crystal Palace - 9 points 16. Nottingham Forest - 9 points 17. Sunderland - 9 points 18. Wolverhampton Wanderers - 8 points 19. Burnley - 8 points 20. Tottenham Hotspur - 7 points
What has Regis Le Bris said about Bournemouth v Sunderland?
Sunderland will look to continue their consolidation in the Premier League this summer.placeholder image
Sunderland will look to continue their consolidation in the Premier League this summer. | AFP via Getty Images
Speaking about the Black Cats set-piece issues ahead of the trip to the Vitality Stadium, Le Bris said: “It's hard to say, but we worked hard this week about this topic. Not only because we faced a big problem, but we need to evolve as well as the staff. And when you reach a certain level and it's not enough, you have to work harder to reach the next level.
“First part: probably the opponent. They analyse our set-ups and they try to find the best way to threaten us. Dan Ballard, for example, is often targeted defensively and offensively, this is really clear. Our delivery wasn't really good against Fulham, so it's important to work on that as well. And probably we need to evolve sometimes to make it less predictable for the opponent, so it's an evolution.”
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