How do Sunderland's crowds compare to their Premier League rivals this season?
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Sunderland return to the Stadium of Light following the international break, fresh from their stunning 2-1 victory away at Newcastle United.
The Black Cats have completed the league double over their fiercest rivals, which was just the latest step in what has been a fantastic return to life back in the top flight. The fact that Sunderland have hit 43 points with seven games to spare and are looking to secure an unexpected European berth, rather than battling relegation, is testament to the brilliant work done by Regis Le Bris and his players.
That has been reflected on the terraces, too, with Sunderland’s average attendance of 46,323 their highest since the 2001/02 campaign and the fourth-highest on record. But how does that compare to their Premier League rivals?
Sunderland average attendance compared to Premier League rivals
Sunderland’s average home attendance this season is ninth in the Premier League, seeing them above the likes of Aston Villa, Chelsea and Leeds United due to the superior capacity of the Stadium of Light.
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Unfortunately, the ground is a little smaller than the likes of Newcastle United’s St. James Park and Everton’s brand new Hill Dickinson Stadium, meaning there are plenty of healthier average attendances throughout the English top flight. Nevertheless, Sunderland are drawing one of the best gates in the country and around Europe’s top five leagues, and the atmosphere generated by the supporters has undoubtedly helped the Black Cats at home - where they’ve lost just three of 15 matches in the Premier League this season.
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As usual, Manchester United top the attendance charts, with Old Trafford boasting an average crowd of 73,962 - more than 11,000 ahead of second-place West Ham, who pull 62,454 fans at their unpopular but vast London Stadium.
Alongside West Ham, relegation rivals Tottenham are still averaging 60,939, which is incredibly commendable given they’ve won just two home matches all season in the Premier League. The Lilywhites will visit the Stadium of Light on Sunday, 12th April, as they seek a vital result in their desperate bid for survival.