Sunderland seal Premier League return with dramatic playoff final victory
Sunderland are back in the Premier League after eight years away, clinching promotion with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the Championship playoff final at Wembley.
A stoppage-time winner from academy graduate Tommy Watson sealed the win, sending the red-and-white half of Wembley 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 this summer in a £10 million deal, 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.
Sheffield United had taken 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.
From there, the momentum shifted.
Sheffield United 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, the youngest side in the division with an average age of 24.3, 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. Club legends like Jordan Henderson and Kevin Phillips watched on from the stands.
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 sides.
Whether they can stay up is a question for next season. But on Saturday, they earned their moment. They dreamed and they delivered.
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