Sunderland have been accused of potentially endangering the safety of players by employing the surprise tactic that helped them secure a 2-2 draw against Arsenal.

The Premier League leaders were forced to settle for a share of the spoils against this season’s surprise packages after Brian Brobbey rescued a point with an injury time equaliser.

Arsenal had come from behind to take a 2-1 lead thanks to second half goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard, both of which came from open play.

The set piece kings were restricted to just two corners across the whole match, while their long throws created less panic than usual, in part down to Sunderland’s decision to change the position of their advertising hoardings.

By reducing the distance between the boards and the touchline, the likes of Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori were prevented from taking lengthy run-ups that help propel the ball significant distances.

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