In the 11th round of the Premier League, Sunderland held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw at home. In order to limit Arsenal's throw-in tactics, Sunderland deliberately shortened the distance between the advertising boards and the field.
According to photos from the scene, stadium staff moved advertising boards approximately 2 meters towards the pitch to counter Arsenal's dangerous throw-ins.
Sunderland manager Lebrs acknowledged the move after the match: "Yes, we tried to find the details to win the game, and they were indeed very strong on set pieces. We also played well, and obviously that threat was crucial to the game; ultimately, it was a close contest."
This wasn't the first time Sunderland had done this. Before their Championship play-off semi-final second leg against Coventry last season, Sunderland similarly moved their advertising boards about 2 meters towards the pitch to counter Coventry's dangerous long throw-ins, reducing the run-up distance for the throw-ins.