Sunderland Pulled Off 1000 IQ Tactic to Stop Arsenal

Sunderland have reportedly used a clever tactic to prevent one of Arsenal's big weapons.

On Saturday evening, the Gunners looked to continue their charge to win the Premier League title at the Stadium of Light.

However, Mikel Arteta's men were stunned in the 36th minute as Dan Ballard smashed in from close range to make it 1-0.

In the second half, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard made it 2-1 before Brian Brobbey scored in stoppage time to level the match at 2-2.

Eventually, after a chaotic last few mintues, the match ended in a draw.

As a result, Arsenal moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

During the match, it emerged that Sunderland used a clever tactic to prevent one of Arsenal's main weapons.

Brian Brobbey scored a last-gasp equaliser against Arsenal. Image: Getty

As reported by Liverpool.Com, Sunderland moved forward the advertising boards around the Stadium of Light.

As a result, the Gunners stars had a two-step run-up when taking long throws, making it more difficult to put added distance on throws.

Journalist Joseph McBride wrote: "The advertising boards at the Stadium of Light were moved closer to the pitch ahead of Sunderland's clash with Arsenal, leaving less room for long throws.

"The same adjustments were made when facing Coventry City in the Championship playoffs last season."

It was not the first time Sunderland have made this change, as they did so last season during their play-off clash against Coventry City.

Coventry defender Milan van Ewijk has been known for his long throws and the Black Cats deployed the tactic to minimise the full-back's threat.

The tactic worked as Sunderland managed to beat Coventry to seal a place at Wembley, before beating Sheffield United to seal their return to the top flight.

Following their draw against the league leaders, Sunderland moved up to third in the table before Manchester City host Liverpool on Sunday afternoon at the Etihad Stadium.