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Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has shed light on the clever tactical ploy that played a crucial role in halting Arsenal’s Premier League title charge, following a thrilling 2-2 draw that left the Gunners frustrated at the Stadium of Light.
A game of high intensity and late drama
It was a pulsating clash between two sides at opposite ends of the table, but Sunderland showed no fear against the league leaders. The Black Cats struck first when Dan Ballard powered home a close-range header after Arsenal failed to clear a corner, sending the home crowd into raptures.
The goal was a reward for Sunderland’s relentless pressure in the opening stages, which visibly unsettled Mikel Arteta’s side. However, Arsenal responded strongly after halftime. Bukayo Saka leveled the score with a well-timed finish in the 54th minute, and Leandro Trossard appeared to complete the comeback with a sensational curling strike that made it 2-1 to the Gunners.
Yet, Sunderland refused to back down. In stoppage time, Ballard flicked on a long throw that fell to Brian Brobbey, who produced a stunning overhead kick to rescue a dramatic point and send shockwaves through Arsenal’s title ambitions.
The subtle move that made a big difference
After the match, Regis Le Bris revealed the ingenious tactical adjustment that helped neutralize one of Arsenal’s growing strengths — their long throws. The Sunderland boss admitted that his staff moved the advertising boards closer to the touchline before kickoff, limiting the run-up space Arsenal’s throw-in takers rely on to launch deep balls into the box.
The move effectively blunted one of Arsenal’s most potent set-piece weapons. Speaking to BBC Sport, Le Bris confirmed the plan, saying, “Yeah, we tried to find the details to win the game. They are really strong on set-pieces, and we were good as well. It was absolutely obvious this threat was really important for this game, and in the end, it was balanced.”
The tactical tweak reflected Le Bris’ attention to detail and understanding of marginal gains in football. By removing a small advantage from Arsenal’s arsenal, Sunderland managed to level the playing field in what was otherwise a physically demanding contest.
Belief and resilience at the core of Sunderland’s performance
Beyond the clever set-piece strategy, Sunderland’s mental strength stood out. Le Bris praised his players for refusing to surrender even when facing one of Europe’s most dominant teams.
“The lads worked hard to the end. They believed it was possible to change the dynamic. It was a tough game, as we expected. They are probably one of the best teams in Europe… We still believed it was possible to score one more goal,” the Frenchman reflected.
The late equalizer served as validation for Sunderland’s growing confidence and unity under Le Bris.
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