In the most reliable defence chart, only three Premier League teams featured in the top ten of the 92-club classification – ­Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

The top-placed Premier League club in the classification are Manchester United, followed by the much-improved Chelsea who won a league and cup double last season.

The Red Devils conceded 28 goals, four more than the previous season.

League Two champions Notts County finished top of the heap with an average of 0.67 after they let in 31 goals in 46 league matches.

Throughout the season, Manchester United claimed a total of 19 clean sheets, the best record in the Premiership for total shutdowns. Chelsea finished just behind on 18.

Only United and the London Blues have made it into the top 10 in both classifications – scoring prowess and defensive strength – in 2009-10.

Previous top rearguards

1989-90: Bristol Rovers - 0.76

1990-91: Arsenal - 0.47

1991-92: Man. Utd - 0.78

1992-93: Stoke City - 0.74

1993-94: Arsenal - 0.67

1994-95: Man. Utd - 0.67

1995-96: Gillingham - 0.43

1996-97: Bury - 0.83

1997-98: Man. Utd - 0.68

1998-99: Arsenal - 0.45

1999-00: Swansea - 0.65

2000-01: Fulham - 0.69

2001-02: Plymouth - 0.61

2002-03: Wigan Athletic - 0.54

2003-04: Arsenal - 0.68

2004-05: Chelsea - 0.39

2005-06: Chelsea - 0.58

2006-07: Chelsea - 0.63

2007-08: Manchester Utd - 0.58

2008-09: Chelsea - 0.63

2009-10: Notts County - 0.67