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?
13. Romain Esse (Millwall)
The Millwall man is another who has been fouled 22 times so far. | Getty Images
14. Ollie Cooper (Swansea City)
The attacking midfielder has earned 22 fouls for his side this term. | Getty Images
15. Lewie Coyle (Hull City)
The Hull man has been brought down 23 times in nine games, earning the second most fouls this term. | Getty Images
16. Wilfried Gnonto (Leeds United)
The Italian is the most fouled Championship player so far, having been brought down 25 times by opponents. | Getty Images