Coventry City fans mock Sunderland’s Stadium of Light decision ahead of Championship play-off clash, it’s ‘pointless’

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Sunderland have reportedly taken drastic measures ahead of their second play-off clash against Coventry City. 

The first leg took play last week at Coventry, with Sunderland beating them 2 – 1 in the closing minutes. 

Goals were quickly shared in the second half as Wilson Isidor fired Sunderland ahead before Jack Rudoni levelled for Coventry.

With two minutes of the 90 to go Sunderland bagged the winner, as Milan van Ewijk’s error allowed Eliezer Mayenda to finish.

Given that the Black Cats won by such a slim margin, they’re not taking any chances as they host Coventry for the second leg, a fixture where Coventry City can become history-makers as incredible record emerges.

Coventry fans react as Sunderland make alteration ahead of play off game 

According to talkSPORT Sunderland have moved their advertising hoardings closer to the pitch to stop Milan Fabrizio van Ewijk’s long throw.

Despite their attempts to scupper one of Coventry’s trump cards, the Sky Blues faithful don’t seem to mind. 

“Pointless anyway think we’ve scored like two goals out of around 40 attempts,” one fan stated.

One fan said: “It’s not a good long throw anyway. It needs to be flatter and more pacey! Too slow and loopy for my liking and easy to defend.”

Whilst another said: “It’s a weapon, but you’re correct, it’s a bit loopy like Gunnarson’s back in the day, hardly created a goal all season so can come about as a bit of a waste of possession.”

“I’d rather we used them less anyway. Get the ball moving quicker. They ate up time last game and were ineffective,” another stated.

One joked: “Good, means we will stop doing it.” 

Whether Sunderland have truly moved their hoardings closer to the pitch or not, it sounds like it maybe hasn’t had the desired effect, from the fans perspective. 

As Coventry manager Frank Lampard prepares for the second leg, the underlying statistics offer additional insight into the challenge they face.

What do the stats say ahead of tonight’s second leg? 

As the decisive second leg approaches, a look at the key statistics reveals a contrast in Sunderland and Coventry City’s home and away form.

Sunderland have been a formidable force in Football League play-off matches at their Wearside home, maintaining an unbeaten record with seven wins out of eight encounters.

In stark contrast, Coventry City experienced their first-ever play-off defeat in the recent 2-1 first-leg loss to Sunderland, a result that ended their previous success in away play-off ties, where they had won both second-leg matches.

Despite their historical play-off strength at home, Sunderland endured a late-season dip in form at their own ground, suffering 1-0 defeats in their last three regular league games. This raises the stakes, as another home loss without scoring would mark their worst such run since 2017.

Meanwhile, the Sky Blues away form has been inconsistent, finishing the regular season with a five-game winless streak after enjoying a prior run of four straight victories on the road. Despite this one Coventry star has been praised ahead of the second leg.

Sunderland’s first-leg triumph was a big moment, breaking a long-standing ten-game winless streak against Coventry that stretched back to February 2007.

However, Coventry’s recent away record against Sunderland suggests a potential for a turnaround, having secured two wins in their last five visits to Wearside, a notable improvement compared to their solitary victory in their first 18 trips.