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Sunderland 'sneaky' play-off tactic exposed that Troy Deeney says is 'a bit of me'

Sunderland are looking to move one step closer to the Premier League by beating Coventry in the semi-final second leg of the Championship play-off final at the Stadium of Light

[Milan van Ewijk of Coventry FC]

Coventry's Milan van Ewijk is hoping to help his team turn over a 2-1 deficit in the second leg

Sunderland have gone to extreme lengths to counter Coventry's secret weapon as they aim to secure a spot at Wembley

The Black Cats are heading into their Championship play-off semi-final second leg tonight (May 13) at 8pm with a 2-1 advantage after snatching a victory at the Coventry Building Society Arena against Frank Lampard's squad. Eliezer Mayenda's dramatic late goal two minutes from full-time in the first leg gave Sunderland a slender edge as they return to the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland have taken unusual steps to neutralise one of Coventry's key strategies and take advantage of their home turf. Coventry's Milan van Ewijk caused a stir with his deadly long throw-ins during the initial encounter, but Sunderland's backline stood tall, repelling a barrage of set-piece throws.

[Wilson Isidor of Sunderland celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi Final First Leg match between Coventry City and AFC Sunderland at The Coventry Building Society Arena on May 09, 2025]

Sunderland's Wilson Isidor scoring against Coventry during the semi-final first leg play-off (Image: Getty Images)

However, the Sky Blues might find it trickier to unleash this ploy away from home. This is all down to the crew at the Stadium of Light who have craftily nudged their advertising boards closer to the pitch, aiming to clip Van Ewijk's wings.

It was talkSPORT's Adrian Durham who spilled the beans on the cunning tactic while getting ready for the semi-final showdown as he was broadcasting for Sheffield United's 3-0 play-off second leg win over Bristol City. He said: "The little bit of news I've got from the Stadium of Light is this - my spies tell me that earlier today Sunderland had the LED perimeter advertising boards at the Stadium of Light moved in towards the pitch by two metres."

[Milan Van Ewijk of Coventry City]

Milan Van Ewijk can throw the ball extremely long (Image: Getty Images)

[Troy Deeney]

Troy Deeney rated the move by Sunderland(Image: Getty Images)

Durham then asked co-commentator, ex-Norwich striker Dean Ashton, about the move. "Now as we know, Dean Ashton, Coventry have got a long throw weapon. That's a bit sneaky from Sunderland, isn't it?" he said.

Ashton responded: "Very [sneaky]. But why wouldn't you try and use every single advantage that you absolutely could?" before quipping: "What they don't know is that Van Ewijk is an excellent hurdler."

Ashton praised Sunderland for their efforts to counter Coventry's set-piece prowess, acknowledging it could be a game-changer in the second leg. He said: "It could make a difference because they loaded that up constantly, Coventry, in that first leg and it didn't cause them too many problems.

[Wilson Isidor of Sunderland celebrates scoring his team's first goal with team mates during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi Final First Leg match between Coventry City and AFC Sunderland at The Coventry Building Society Arena on May 09, 2025 in Coventry, ]

The winner of the semi-final has one more game to win if they have any hope of returning to the Premier League (Image: Getty Images)

"But it could do if they were able to use it continuously in that second leg. I quite like it." Highlighting that Sunderland's approach was within the rules, he added: "It's a home advantage. You can do it. Of course you can."

However, the one-time England international hinted that the tactic might end up playing into Coventry's hands. "It took them so long to set those long throws up that it almost felt counterproductive for Coventry. So actually it could be a blessing in disguise in a way," he said.

Troy Deeney commenting on the moving on the boards enjoyed the alleged gamesmanship by Sunderland. Speaking on TalkSport he said 'that a bit of me'.

[ A general view of the Stadium of Light]

The Stadium of Light is set to host he second leg of the semi-final (Image: Getty Images)

While Van Ewijk's throw-ins have been the much discussed, Ashton pointed out that it was another aspect of his game that had let Coventry down in the first leg. Towards the end of match, the Dutch player's weak backpass was intercepted by Mayenda, who then slotted home the winning goal.

Ashton said: "He needs to work on his back passes as well rather than his long throws, because that has potentially cost them getting through to Wembley, Coventry." While Sunderland are hoping to exploit their home advantage, club legend Kevin Phillips emphasised that the Stadium of Light's electric atmosphere could be their ace in the hole. The ex-striker, who spent six glorious years with the Black Cats and was pivotal in their ascent to the Premier League in 1999, has suggested that the supporters in the 52,000-capacity ground can sway the outcome of a game.

Speaking to talkSPORT Breakfast, he said: "It [the Stadium of Light] has something about it. I remember that season when we got into the Premier League. We beat a lot of teams in the tunnel because of the noise.

"You could see fear at times. We've been there. You've seen the fear sometimes in the opposition's faces, [you think to yourself]: 'If we start the game well, get on top, the crowd get behind you, then it's going to make it very difficult for the away team'.

"The fans will play their part tonight without a shadow of a doubt. It's just about the players stepping up, performing, not losing their nerve and sticking to the game plan."

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