Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal: Billboards stop 10-match streak

Sunderland held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light, ending a 10-game winning streak and ending their 812-minute run without conceding a goal. The tactical highlight was the decision to move the advertising boards close to the touchline to limit the long throw-ins that were Arsenal's attacking weapon. In the 90+4 minute, Brian Brobbey scored an equalizer, securing a point for the home team on an emotional evening.

90+4 moment and DNA "never give up"

Despite being down 1-2, Sunderland continued to focus on extra time. In the 90+4 minute, Brobbey chose the right position and then launched a beautiful overhead kick into the net, bringing the match back to the starting line. This was Sunderland's fifth goal from the 90th minute onwards this season, more than any other team in the Premier League, showing a team that persevered until the last seconds.

The "billboard pulling" tactic and how Sunderland disrupted Arsenal's rhythm

Manager Regis Le Bris read Arsenal’s attacking habits with long throw-ins and deliberately disrupted the rhythm by moving the advertising board closer around the pitch than usual, leaving the visitors with less space to attack. It was a small intervention but had a big impact on Arsenal’s attacking rhythm, forcing them to trade quick and long balls for short and slow and vulnerable attacks.

Coach Regis Le Bris said: “We tried to find every little detail that could help balance the game. They are very strong in set pieces, and we were well prepared to counter them."

The impact was evident in the stats: Arsenal had just two corners all game – a rare indicator of a lack of pressing and pressure down the flank.

Key figures: Ballard, Brobbey and the energy of Xhaka

Dan Ballard – former Arsenal player – opened the scoring with a decisive finish, officially ending the visitors’ 812-minute clean sheet streak. He also assisted the equalizer and made a crucial late save, rounding off a well-rounded evening at both ends of the pitch.

Brobbey was the one who finished the script with a goal in the 90+4 minute, extending Sunderland's late scoring streak this season. In addition, Granit Xhaka - former Arsenal captain - played passionately in midfield, becoming the home team's spiritual support and emotional heartbeat in transition phases.

Key developments: from earthquake to response

Arsenal went into the game looking to extend their winning streak and secure their ninth clean sheet. But their plans were quickly dashed when Ballard opened the scoring for Sunderland in the first half. Arsenal came back strongly and scored twice to lead 2-1, forcing Sunderland into a chase from a disadvantage. Just when it seemed the points were slipping away, Brobbey brought the game back to the starting line in the 90+4 minute.

Impact on the race and statistical significance

The draw marked several milestones: for the first time this season Arsenal conceded more than one goal; for the first time since May 2023 they failed to win against a new team. As for Sunderland, the team returning to the Premier League continued to be unbeaten at home, taking 19 points from 11 games and temporarily present in the European Cup group – a big boost for the relegation target and more.

Notable numbers

Images from the match

Tactical perspective: when small details make a big difference

Changing the billboard position was not just a “strange move”, but a way for Sunderland to push Arsenal out of their comfort zone. With the long throw-in eliminated, Arsenal were forced to play more slowly, were easily blocked on the half-way line, and had difficulty building up constant pressure – which was reflected in the 2 corners in the whole match. With fierce competition and a persistent mentality, Sunderland broke their opponents’ perfect streak with milliseconds and meters of space on the pitch.