Yorkshire-Good-Bad-Ugly-111125.mp4
Leeds United’s relegation rivals, Sunderland, have been accused of using ‘tricks’ in their 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League last weekend.
Sunderland picked up a vital point in their quest to stay up this season last weekend when they scored a late equaliser to hold league leaders Arsenal to a 2-2 draw, and many noticed that the Black Cats used some unusual tactics to gain an advantage over their in-form opponents at the Stadium of Light.
Regis Le Bris’ side, who have been in incredible form this season and are above the likes of reigning champions Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United in the Premier League after 11 games, were looking to put a stop to the juggernaut that Arsenal have become this season.
The Gunners were fresh off the back of 10 wins in a row in all competitions and eight clean sheets in a row, so the home side allegedly decided to take some action and bring in the advertising hoardings around the pitch to stop one of Mikel Arteta’s side's biggest weapons - set pieces. More specifically, long throw-ins, which fans across the country have become accustomed to seeing either Declan Rice or Riccardo Calafiori pulling out for Arsenal this season.
The BBC reported post-match that Sunderland attempted to “limit the danger” of these situations and Sky Sports questioned whether the Black Cats used “tricks” to limit the danger their opponents had from set-piece situations.
Leeds were victims of Arsenal’s set-piece prowess earlier in the season as they conceded two goals at the Emirates Stadium via corners in a 5-0 loss.
"Are you sure they were moved forward? It must have been the wind," Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris said after the draw last weekend.
Dan Ballard celebrates scoring a goal against his former club.placeholder image
Dan Ballard celebrates scoring a goal against his former club. | Frank Reid
"We tried to take care of the small details to win the match. They are very strong on set-pieces, so we tried to reduce that threat. It was important to find solutions.”
The club have a previous for using this sort of technique to gain a small margin over teams who visit the Stadium of Light. For example, last season, when they finished third behind Leeds United and Burnley and faced Coventry City in the play-off semi-finals, they did the same to the advertising boards as they did last weekend due to the long throw-in range of Coventry defender Milan van Ewijk.
With the return of the long throw taking over English football this season, the way Sunderland have shown they are trying to combat it is clever and helps the side gain a marginal advantage over opponents who visit their home.
Continue Reading