Sunderland have secured a sensational return to the Premier League after eight years, with Tommy Watson’s stoppage-time goal earning a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in Saturday’s Championship play-off final at Wembley
Regis Le Bris’ side came from behind after Tyrese Campbell gave United the lead in the first half. Eliezer Mayenda levelled late in the game before Watson struck in dramatic fashion to complete the comeback.
The win marks an extraordinary end to a turbulent journey for the Black Cats, who endured a four-year spell in League One and arrived in the play-offs on the back of five straight defeats. Their promotion is expected to be worth around £200 million in revenue.
Just days earlier, Sunderland had needed a last-gasp extra-time header from Dan Ballard to edge past Coventry 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
The victory also sets up a mouthwatering Premier League reunion with fierce rivals Newcastle United next season.
For Le Bris, the triumph represents a remarkable turnaround after joining Sunderland last year following relegation with Lorient in France.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United’s Wembley woes continued. They remain winless at the stadium in over a century and have now lost four Championship play-off finals, failing to convert any of their ten play-off campaigns into promotion—despite finishing 14 points clear of Sunderland in the regular season.
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