Sunderland is making strategic adjustments to neutralize Coventry’s long throw-in advantage as they aim for a spot at Wembley. The Black Cats head into the Championship play-off semi-final second leg with a slight 2-1 lead, following a thrilling away victory at Coventry’s stadium.
A late winner from Eliezer Mayenda in the first leg has given Sunderland a strong platform as they return home to the Stadium of Light, where they hope to capitalize on the support from their passionate fanbase. To counteract Coventry full-back Milan van Ewijk’s potent long throw-ins, Sunderland staff have taken the unusual step of moving the perimeter advertising boards two meters closer to the pitch, a move revealed by talkSPORT commentator Adrian Durham.
Former Norwich striker Dean Ashton commented on the tactic, acknowledging Sunderland’s clever attempt to mitigate Coventry’s set-piece threat, while also pointing out that it could inadvertently benefit the Sky Blues by slowing down their throw-in setup and disrupting their momentum.
The first leg highlighted not only Coventry’s strengths but also their weaknesses, with van Ewijk’s mistake leading to Sunderland’s crucial winning goal. Ashton suggested that van Ewijk should focus on improving his overall game to prevent costly errors in the future.
Amidst the tactical preparations, Sunderland club legend Kevin Phillips noted that the electric atmosphere of the Stadium of Light could be a significant advantage for the Black Cats. He reflected on how the intimidating sound of the fans can sway the dynamics of the game, urging the players to harness that energy and stay focused.
As the competitive spirit rises, Sunderland is ready to make their mark in the play-offs, drawing on home advantage and the support of their faithful crowd to push through to the next round.