Sunderland’s Europa return defies xG, finishing seventh while model ranks them 18th

Sunderland’s 2025/26 Premier League campaign ended with a seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification, a landmark return to Europe after more than 50 years.

Stake’s 2025/26 expected goals table placed the Black Cats 18th on 41 xG points, in the relegation places with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley.

Back in the top flight alongside Leeds United and Burnley, Sunderland were widely tipped for an immediate return to the Championship. By mid-season they were clearly chasing loftier targets, particularly at the Stadium of Light.

Régis Le Bris’ side were clinical, taking chances and outperforming what the model projected. That efficiency underpinned their climb up the table.

Arsenal led the xG standings on 78 points, ahead of Manchester City on 71 and Manchester United on 62. Liverpool were level with United by xG yet finished fifth, while Chelsea ranked fifth by xG but came 10th. Aston Villa were 13th by xG and finished fourth, Tottenham 15th by xG and ended 17th, West Ham 17th by xG and finished 18th.

Source: Sunderland Echo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”