Sunderland AFC make Stadium of Light change that could hamper Coventry City tactic | OneFootball

Sunderland have moved the LED boards closer to the pitch in a bid to combat Milan van Ewijk's long throw for Coventry City.

Sunderland have moved their pitch side LED boards two metres closer to the touchline in a bid to impact Milan van Ewijk’s long throw for Coventry City tonight.

The Black Cats beat Frank Lampard’s side 2-1 on Friday night, so they know they will book a place in the play-off final against Sheffield United if they avoid defeat at the Stadium of Light.

However, the first leg was a tight game, with Eliezer Mayenda scoring a late winner after a Van Ewijk mistake, after Wilson Isidor’s opener had been cancelled out by Jack Rudoni.

Sunderland make stadium tweak to combat Coventry City long throw

Another feature of the game was van Ewijk’s long throw, with Coventry regularly sending their centre-backs forward as he sent the ball into the box.

Even though it didn’t lead to a direct goal, it did cause Regis Le Bris’ men problems, and it appears Sunderland are looking to reduce the impact Van Ewijk’s throw could have.

That’s after Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie shared an image from inside the Stadium of Light that shows how the LED boards have been moved closer to the touchline, which will obviously restrict van Ewijk’s run-up.

“Sunderland have moved their pitchside LED boards in by two metres in a bid to stop Coventry’s long throws tonight.

"Defender Milan van Ewijk launches his throws into the danger area so Sunderland ground staff spent yesterday applying some tactics of their own ahead of tonight’s play-off second leg.

"Coventry have scored most headers AND most goals from crosses in the EFL this season.”

Sunderland are right to try and take advantage where they can

This might be seen as small time for some by Sunderland, but the reality is that if it can help the team just a little bit, it’s worth doing, as there is so much at stake tonight.

Clearly, Van Ewijk’s long throw is impressive, and it will cause problems, so preventing him from having as long a run-up as possible makes a lot of sense from Sunderland’s perspective.

You can’t imagine Coventry will be too pleased by it, but the reality is that it’s Sunderland’s home ground, so they can do what they see fit, and they are still obeying the rules at the distance.

Obviously, Van Ewijk will still be able to launch the ball into the box, and ultimately it will still need to be defended, as it was on Friday, by Luke O’Nien and especially Dan Ballard.