Sunderland and Arsenal played a spectacular match on Saturday in the Premier League, ending 2-2 thanks to a goal from Brian Brobbey in the 94th minute for the Black Cats. Aware of the danger represented by the long throw-ins from English midfielder Declan Rice, the managers of the North-East club have imagined an original strategy to limit this formidable Arsenal weapon. The Stadium of Light staff moved the advertising boards more than two meters closer to the edge of the field in order to prevent Rice from gaining momentum during throw-ins.
A mischievous idea which generally bore fruit since the Gunners’ two goals came in the game, and not from long throws. Régis Le Bris, the Sunderland coach, explained this decision with humor. “Yes, we tried to find every little detail to win the match, because they are very strong in set-pieces. Maybe it was the wind that moved the panels”joked the Frenchman at a press conference.
