Sunderland are back in the Premier League after clinching promotion with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium.
A stoppage-time winner from academy graduate Tommy Watson sealed the win, sending Sunderland fans into delirium.
The 19-year-old latched onto a mistake by Kieffer Moore and drove a low shot into the bottom corner, writing his name into club folklore.
Watson, who joined the club as an under-nine, had only been on the pitch for 20 minutes.
He will leave for Brighton & Hove Albion in a £10 million deal this summer, but his final act in a Sunderland shirt could scarcely have been more significant.
Captain Luke O’Nien, who dislocated his shoulder just eight minutes in, charged down the touchline in a sling to celebrate Watson’s goal. His determination summed up a team that refused to be overawed by the occasion.
United took the lead in the first half through Tyrese Campbell, who finished smartly after a Gus Hamer breakaway. But the Blades lost control after Hamer went off with cramp in the 72nd minute.
Sunderland took just three minutes to take advantage. Substitute Patrick Roberts split the defence with an outside-of-the-boot pass, and Eliezer Mayenda equalised with a thunderous finish into the top corner.
The Blades pressed for a winner but could not beat Anthony Patterson, who made a sharp early save to deny Moore.
They thought they had gone ahead again through Harrison Burrows, but VAR ruled out the goal for offside interference.
Sunderland held firm. Manager Regis Le Bris made bold changes, and they paid off. The Frenchman has guided a vibrant, fearless team beyond expectations.
As the final whistle blew, players collapsed in joy. O’Nien lifted the trophy in front of Sunderland fans who had taken over Trafalgar Square the night before.
The Premier League has gained back a big club with a vast fanbase. Sunderland averaged 40,000 supporters this season, more than several top-flight teams.
Recent Posts
- Five major talking points as Man City beat Man United at Old Trafford in controversial derby
- Three decisions Martin O’Neill got wrong as Rangers dump Celtic out of the Scottish League Cup
- Three things we learnt from Ibrox thumping as Rangers beat Celtic 3-0
- Confirmed Manchester United XI vs Man City: Luke Shaw injured, Benjamin Sesko dropped
- Manchester United ban 685 ticket-holders in ticket touting crack down
- Barcelona financial woes worsen despite breaking €1bn revenue barrier
- Lionel Messi scores for Inter Miami, but Nashville strike late to secure draw
- Arsenal staff fear job cuts despite historic Premier League title as US consultants lead club review
- Key Manchester United star an injury doubt for Sunday’s derby with Manchester City
- Lewis Hall signs new Newcastle United contract after Man Utd interest
