Coped is an interesting word. Trying to analyse our defensive performance is a bit like challenging a millipede to an arse kicking competition.

10 clean sheets was a great effort, only 7 clubs in the top flight managed more. That's got to be a huge positive.

69 goals conceded, only 2 clubs in the top flight conceded more. That's definitely not a huge positive, especially given the number of clean sheets. Put into perspective, 69 goals conceded would usually be in the worst 2-3 in a Premier league season; there are seasons where no clubs conceded as many as 69.

One curiosity with this is that there are quite a few occasions where teams keep lots of clean sheets but let in lots of goals. Bournemouth conceded more than us last season yet kept the same number of clean sheets. West Ham and Watford did something similar the season before and I could go on.