Arsenal fell into Sunderland's 1000 IQ tactical trap.

It is said that Sunderland used a smart strategy to disable one of Arsenal’s most dangerous assets.

In the early hours of November 9 (Vietnam time), Arsenal traveled to the Stadium of Light aiming to extend their winning streak and continue their title chase. In the Premier League.

However, Mikel Arteta’s squad was dealt a blow in the 36th minute when Dan Ballard scored a close-range goal to put Sunderland ahead 1-0.

In the second half, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard each scored to help Arsenal come back and lead 2-1, before Brian Brobbey netted a stoppage-time goal to seal a dramatic 2-2 draw.

After chaotic final moments, the match ended in a draw, allowing Arsenal to extend their lead to 7 points over their Premier League pursuers.

Notably, Sunderland was found to have used a “special trick” to neutralize one of Arsenal’s most threatening weapons during this match.

According to Liverpool News, the home team at the Stadium of Light deliberately moved the advertising boards closer to the sidelines. This limited Arsenal players to only a two-step run-up when taking throw-ins, significantly reducing their usual long-throw advantage.

Journalist Joseph McBride revealed: “The advertising boards at the Stadium of Light were shifted closer to the pitch before the match against Arsenal, narrowing the space for long throw-ins. Sunderland used a similar setup last season in their Championship play-off against Coventry City.”

This is not the first time Sunderland has employed this strategy. Last season, they used it to limit the powerful throw-in ability of Coventry’s defender Milan van Ewijk. Sunderland succeeded, beating their opponent to earn a spot at Wembley, then went on to overcome Sheffield United to secure their return to the Premier League.

After a brave draw against the league leaders, Sunderland temporarily rose to 3rd place in the standings, before Manchester City hosted Liverpool at Etihad Stadium at 11:30 PM on November 9.

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