Sunderland have secured their return to the Premier League after eight long years, thanks to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
In a pulsating finale to the season, substitute Tommy Watson delivered a moment that will live long in Wearside memory. With 97 minutes on the clock, the 19-year-old capitalised on a misplaced touch from Kieffer Moore, ghosted forward and curled a precise right-footed shot past goalkeeper Ivo Grbić. His shirt was off before the ball hit the net, sparking scenes of wild celebration in the Sunderland end.
The match had been a rollercoaster, with Sheffield United drawing first blood through Tyrese Campbell in the first half. Campbell latched onto a perfectly threaded pass from Gus Hamer, slipping the ball through Dan Neil’s legs before firing in his 11th of the season. For a time, the Blades appeared in control.
But Sunderland, the youngest side in the Championship by average age, once again showed their resilience. Eliezer Mayenda levelled the tie in the 76th minute, smashing home after Patrick Roberts set him free with a clever pass. The goal came just minutes after Hamer had been withdrawn with cramp, a turning point eerily reminiscent of his play-off exit for Coventry two years ago.
Luke O’Nien, who dislocated his shoulder in the opening moments and played no further part, was one of the first to sprint down the touchline in celebration – arm in a sling – when Watson’s winner hit the net. It was a heroic effort by the club captain, who later hoisted the trophy alongside Dan Neil in the royal box after the final whistle.
Euphoria For Black Cats
The scenes at full-time were euphoric. Sunderland players and staff embraced in front of their travelling supporters, who had packed out Trafalgar Square the night before and turned Wembley into a sea of red and white.
This marks Sunderland’s first top-flight appearance since 2017 and caps a stunning rise under Régis Le Bris, who took charge earlier this year. The Frenchman has rejuvenated a squad packed with academy products and intelligent overseas recruitment.
Writer’s View
This win felt like the culmination of everything Sunderland have worked towards since their fall from grace. Tommy Watson’s late winner was the perfect exclamation mark on a story built on youth, belief, and tactical clarity. Régis Le Bris has instilled composure and confidence into a group that previously buckled under pressure — and now he leads them into the Premier League with momentum and purpose.
In a final that could’ve slipped away, Sunderland showed their maturity and quality at exactly the right moments. With Le Fée joining permanently and a return to elite competition secured, the future at the Stadium of Light finally feels bright again.
