Advertising boards & chaos – how Sunderland stopped Arsenal machine

For a significant period this season, Arsenal have seemed like an unbeatable force.

They travelled to Sunderland on Saturday intent on pushing their winning streak to 11 straight matches while also aiming for a ninth consecutive clean sheet, a club record.

A win would have put them eight points clear at the summit by day’s end, yet the Black Cats who faced the Gunners at the Stadium of Light were determined to create a disturbance.

Regis le Bris’ squad, once tagged as pre-season relegation candidates, have defied all odds upon their return to the Premier League and currently sit comfortably in the European spots.

They employed every tactic available to unnerve and ultimately surprise the league leaders, securing a 2-2 draw that will have been celebrated far and wide beyond Wearside.

Sunderland netted the first goal Arsenal had allowed since September when Dan Ballard put them ahead in the first half, and although the hosts subsequently fell behind 2-1, a late twist came as Brian Brobbey scored an equaliser in injury time, igniting jubilant celebrations both on the pitch and in the stands.

From repositioning advertising boards to «creating chaos,» here’s how Sunderland pulled off such a remarkable outcome.

Arsenal has historically been recognized for their attractive and attacking style of play, yet this season has seen them adopt a more direct approach, with set pieces proving exceptionally effective. Long throw-ins have also started to play a significant role in their offensive strategies.

To counter the threats posed by throw-ins, Sunderland adjusted the positioning of the advertising boards around the pitch, moving them closer than usual to reduce the space available to Arsenal players attempting to launch the ball.

«We aimed to pinpoint the details that could help us win,» Le Bris remarked after the 2-2 draw when questioned about this tactic.

«They excel in set pieces; we do too, and this threat was vital for this match, ultimately creating a balance.»

It was indeed more balanced, as Sunderland managed to limit Arsenal to merely two corners throughout the entire match – the same number they achieved.

However, it was not solely about inhibiting Arsenal’s capabilities; it was also about Sunderland’s approach to the game.

Led by their influential captain Granit Xhaka – who thrived in disrupting his former side – Sunderland exhibited aggression and courage in their tackles, unsettling their opponents from the whistle.

Even after Arsenal appeared to seize control by scoring twice in the second half following Ballard’s opener, Sunderland surged forward, believing they could achieve an equalizer.

It was achieved with a spectacular finish from Brobbey in the fourth minute of added time, following a clever chip into the box that was headed towards the six-yard area.

It is not the first occasion a late effort has rewarded Sunderland for their perseverance, with Saturday’s late equalizer marking the fifth goal they have scored from the 90th minute onwards – more than any other side in the Premier League.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta remarked, «There are many matches in the Premier League like this at present.»

«We conceded in a way we recognized as one of their primary strengths. They execute that very well.»

«I believe we responded well after that. We netted the first goal, then the second, and appeared to be in control of the game. Yet at any moment, a foul or a long throw, a direct ball can create that chaos.»

Sunderland devised a strategy and adhered to it, with statistics demonstrating just how remarkable their result was.

«They never ceased trying, continuously pressuring Arsenal,» commented former Sunderland striker Darren Bent.

«They consistently made Arsenal defend, and when the opportunity arose, they seized it.»

It was the two former Arsenal players – Xhaka and Ballard – who perhaps best embodied Sunderland’s fighting spirit.

Xhaka served as a pivotal figure on the pitch, coordinating plays in the midfield, while Ballard not only scored the opener against David Raya but also provided an assist for the equaliser and made a crucial block in the dying moments to thwart Arsenal from snatching victory.

Ballard began his professional journey at the Gunners, having been part of their academy since he was eight years old, though he never appeared in the first team before joining Sunderland in 2022.

«It’s a boost to spirit, proving we can compete against a truly top-tier team – probably one of the best in Europe right now – and I’m really happy with that,» Ballard shared with Match of the Day after Saturday’s match.

«Yet, it is merely one point and we have a lot of work ahead to reach our goal of remaining in the league this year.»

Former England striker Alan Shearer stated on BBC Match of the Day: «Ballard epitomized all that Sunderland has done incredibly well, exhibiting aggression and stifling Arsenal’s play.

«They are exceptionally difficult to face, and there were numerous instances of him and his teammates putting their bodies on the line. Arsenal won’t face many more challenging matches than this season, and Sunderland fully earned that point.»

The draw keeps Sunderland unbeaten at home, accumulating 19 points from 11 matches, well on track to prevent relegation as they lie nine points clear of the drop zone.

«Sunderland played physically today, yet within the rules, except for one instance in the first half when Dan Ballard contested with Mikel Merino in the box,» noted Match of the Day analyst and former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott.

«They maintained a strong organization, and I was skeptical they could sustain it for all 90 minutes.

«There’s a reason Sunderland will thrive in this league. The Stadium of Light is a challenging venue for football.

«It was the most rattled I’ve seen Gabriel and William Saliba throughout the season.»

There may be little harm in title-contending teams experiencing a reminder of their vulnerability during lengthy winning streaks.

The Gunners have showcased exceptional performance this season, navigating through a significant injury list while establishing a platform to contend for the Premier League title.

Now, the international break arrives as an opportunity to reassess and recuperate some injured players before facing Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday, 23 November.

«Arsenal won’t draw as frequently as they did in the previous season. If anything, this reflects resilience in making a comeback,» noted Walcott.

«Arsenal executed nearly everything correctly until the closing minutes.»

Arteta also is not overly concerned with the result, opting to concentrate on the broader perspective.

«We’ve won the last ten matches, haven’t conceded goals, are managing seven injuries, and the team has performed superbly with results, so let’s continue our progress,» stated the manager.

«We have faced some very challenging matches too. Let’s get players back and move forward.»