Sunderland Back in Premier League After Late Winner at Wembley
Sunderland have returned to the Premier League after eight years, thanks to a dramatic 2-1 win over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final on Saturday.
The match at Wembley Stadium looked like it would end in heartbreak for Sunderland, who were behind after Tyrese Campbell scored for United in the first half. But Eliezer Mayenda equalised late in the second half, and Tommy Watson scored the winning goal in added time.
The win is worth around £200 million in extra income, making it one of the most valuable matches in football.
Watson’s goal means Sunderland fans can now look forward to facing their old rivals Newcastle in the Premier League next season. It also ends a tough period for the club, which included four years in League One and five straight losses before the play-offs.
Sunderland had already shown their determination in the semi-final, where Dan Ballard’s late goal in extra time secured a 3-2 aggregate win against Coventry.
At Wembley, Sunderland looked like they were running out of time again until they turned things around with just 14 minutes left.
The victory is also a big moment for Sunderland’s manager Regis Le Bris. The 49-year-old Frenchman only joined the club last year after being relegated from Ligue 1 with Lorient.
For Sheffield United, it was more Wembley disappointment. The club still haven’t won a match at the stadium in 100 years and have now lost four Championship play-off finals.
United had finished third in the Championship, 14 points ahead of fourth-placed Sunderland, but that meant nothing in the end.
The match started with Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson making a superb save to stop Kieffer Moore’s header in the second minute, bringing back memories of the club’s famous 1973 FA Cup win.
Captain Luke O’Nien was injured in the same moment and had to leave the pitch with a dislocated shoulder.
Campbell gave United the lead in the 25th minute after a lovely pass from Ben Hamer. The goal came just before the anniversary of Campbell’s father’s death — former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell.
United thought they had made it 2-0 soon after, but Harrison Burrows’ goal was ruled out for offside.
Patterson made another good save after half-time, and it proved vital.
In the 76th minute, Patrick Roberts passed to Mayenda, who fired the ball into the roof of the net to level the score. Injured captain O’Nien celebrated wildly from the bench, waving his good arm.
Then, five minutes into added time, Tommy Watson took advantage of a poor pass and curled the ball into the bottom corner to win it for Sunderland.
Watson, who will join Brighton this summer, gave fans the perfect goodbye gift by securing Sunderland’s place back among the top teams in English football.
