Sunderland have secured a dramatic return to the Premier League after eight years away, defeating Sheffield United 2-1 in a tense Championship play-off final at Wembley on Saturday, May 24. Tommy Watson’s stoppage-time winner sealed an extraordinary comeback for the Black Cats, who had trailed through Tyrese Campbell’s first-half goal.
Eliezer Mayenda had brought Sunderland level late in the match before Watson, set to join Brighton in the summer, curled in a low strike past Michael Cooper in the dying moments to send Sunderland fans into delirium. The victory, worth an estimated £200 million in increased revenue, marks a remarkable turnaround for a club that had endured a lengthy spell in the lower tiers of English football, including four seasons in League One.
Manager Regis Le Bris, who joined from French side Lorient last year after suffering relegation from Ligue 1, hailed his side’s resilience. “This win represents the way we played this season, with resilience and discipline to get back into the game. We tried different options and finally we found the solution,” Le Bris said after the final whistle.
The match had started on a sour note for Sunderland, who lost captain Luke O’Nien early on to a dislocated shoulder after a heroic goal-line save from goalkeeper Anthony Patterson. Patterson’s quick reflexes kept out Kieffer Moore’s powerful header and set the tone for a match brimming with tension and momentum shifts.
Sheffield United capitalised on their early dominance when Ben Hamer’s precise through ball found Campbell, who calmly slotted past Patterson. The Blades believed they had doubled their lead when Harrison Burrows scored, but VAR ruled it out for offside.
Patterson was again crucial in the second half, saving with his foot to deny substitute Andre Brooks in a one-on-one. That miss proved costly when Patrick Roberts delivered a sublime pass for Mayenda to smash home from inside the box in the 76th minute. O’Nien, arm in a sling, raced off the bench in celebration as Sunderland clawed their way back.
With the match seemingly headed for extra time, Sunderland capitalised on a misplaced pass from Moore. Watson, just 19 and bound for the Premier League with Brighton, surged forward and curled home the decisive goal in stoppage time. His strike not only ended Sunderland’s Premier League exile but also provided a fitting finale to his time at the club.
“It’s unbelievable. The story was written when I came off the bench. I couldn’t have pictured it any better,” Watson said. “We’ll see each other next year, in the big time!”
For Sheffield United, the defeat continues a painful trend. The club remains without a victory at Wembley in a century and has now suffered four Championship play-off final defeats. Their wait for top-flight football continues.
Sunderland’s triumph sets the stage for a renewed Tyne-Wear rivalry, with the Black Cats set to face Newcastle United once again next season in the Premier League.