English champions Chelsea boasted the best defensive record for the second season running, and the fifth time in a decade.

In all, the Blues conceded 32 goals for an average of 0.84 per league match played in 2014-15. The previous season, Jose Mourinho’s men had let in fewer goals with a mean of 0.71 per game.

Southampton, the surprise package of the campaign, were a close second behind Chelsea in the classification for best defence with a total of 33 nettings against.

The breakdown of the 32 goals conceded by Chelsea last season:

17 − clean sheets (one fewer than previous year).
15 − one goal per match.
3 − two goals a game.
2 − three nettings per match.
1 − once five goals.

Tottenham Hotspur inflicted the heaviest defeat on the Blues after scoring five goals in the derby at White Hart Lane.

The two sides that registered three against Chelsea were Everton (away) 6-3 and West Brom (away) 0-3.

Meanwhile, Burnley had the best defensive record of 53 goals against among the promoted trio but that was not enough to save them from being relegated.

The club that conceded most goals in a single league match last season were Sunderland with eight.

Four clubs have shipped in six goals in one match − Aston Villa, Everton, Liverpool and Queens Park Rangers.

Top rearguards

Defensive performance