With nine games of the season gone, Sunderland are sitting top of the Championship after an impressive start to the campaign. The Black Cats have claimed six wins so far while they drew for the first time this campaign against Leeds United ahead of the international break.
Sunderland’s start to the campaign has some dreaming of a Premier League return for the Stadium of Light club, who spent a number of years in the top flight before their relegation in 2017. However, there will be little room for complacency given the competitive and uncompressing nature of the Championship, with 37 games still to play. Plenty of resilience is needed to get through 46 games in the English second tier and some Sunderland players have experienced the physical nature of the Championship more than others.
Two Black Cats stars are among the most fouled in the league and, using data from WhoScored, we look at the top 16 most fouled stars in the division so far. Any surprises here?
9. Marvin Mehlem (Hull City)
The Hull man has been fouled 20 times so far, in nine appearances. Has also committed 12 of his own. | Getty Images
10. Ibrahim Cissoko (Plymouth Argyle)
The midfielder has been fouled 20 times in nine games, although he has played just under 600 minutes so has not played every minute so far. | Getty Images
11. Harry Darling (Swansea City)
The Swans defender has been fouled 20 times this term. | Getty Images
12. Romaine Mundle (Sunderland)
The Black Cats man has been fouled 22 times across 613 minutes and nine appearances. | Getty Images