How much Sunderland could earn based on their final Premier League position

There was bitter disappointment at the Stadium of Light on Saturday as Sunderland suffered a fifth defeat in seven games against Brighton and Hove Albion.

A somewhat fortunate goal from Seagulls winger Yankuba Minteh proved to be the difference between the two sides as the Gambia international skewed a cross into the area that deceived Black Cats goalkeeper Melker Ellborg before nestling into the back of his net. Results in Saturday’s other games meant Sunderland slipped down to thirteenth place in the Premier League table as they now focus on their preparations for next Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United.

After an impressive first six months back in the Premier League, the Black Cats will hope their season does not fizzle out and they can continue to push for a top half finish and remain in the race for a European place. However, progressing up the table will also bring a financial benefit due to the Premier League’s merit payments system.

So how much could be earned from each final position in this season’s Premier League table? This season’s figures are yet to be released but we can get an estimate on what Sunderland could earn based on the figures from last season’s Premier League. The merit payments form just one part of a sizeable income earned by each club with earnings also coming from an equal share and domestic and international broadcasting payments based on how many times each club hosted a game broadcast live on television.

How much did each club earn from their final Premier League position last season?

1st: Liverpool - £32.3m (Total income: £174.9m) 2nd: Arsenal - £30.7m (Total income: £171.5m) 3rd: Manchester City - £29.0m (Total income: £165.5m) 4th: Chelsea - £27.4m (Total income: £163.7m) 5th: Newcastle United - £25.8m (Total income: £160.2m) 6th: Aston Villa - £24.2m (Total income: £159.3m) 7th: Nottingham Forest - £22.6m (Total income: £152.5m) 8th: Brighton and Hove Albion - £21.0m (Total income: £145.1m) 9th: AFC Bournemouth - £19.4m (Total income: £143.4m) 10th: Brentford - £17.7m (Total income: £138.9m) 11th: Fulham - £16.1m (Total income: £135.5m) 12th: Crystal Palace - £14.5m (Total income: £136.1m) 13th: Everton - £12.9m (Total income: £131.8m) 14th: West Ham United - £11.3m (Total income: £130.9m) 15th: Manchester United - £9.7m (Total income: £136.2m) 16th: Wolverhampton Wanderers - £8.1m (Total income: £123.1m) 17th: Tottenham Hotspur - £6.5m (Total income: £127.8m) 18th: Leicester City - £4.8m (Total income: £116.9m) 19th: Ipswich Town - £3.2m (Total income: £111.1m) 20th: Southampton - £1.6m (Total income: £109.2m)

What did Regis Le Bris say about Sunderland’s home defeat against Brighton?

Speaking to The Echo after the defeat, the Black Cats boss said: “We had good intentions to manage the way they built up the play. Struggled a bit, probably for 20 minutes, because they created one or two chances. After that, the lads kept going with the same intentions. I think the final part of the first half was good. We were dominant. We didn't score, but I think it was a good part of our game.

“We had the opportunity at the beginning of the second half to change the game and disallow for a few centimetres. The opposite then happened, so it is what it is. Football is sometimes a bit harsh and unpredictable. But I appreciated the willingness, the desire to stay consistent until the end. We tried. Obviously, our end product is not the best at the moment. We have many young lads and this part of the pitch is probably the hardest one. We need to keep going.”

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