After eight long years in the lower leagues, Sunderland AFC have sealed their return to the Premier League in dramatic fashion, clinching a 2-1 win over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Tom Watson.
The Black Cats overturned a first-half deficit in a fiercely contested encounter at Wembley, with goals from Eliezer Mayenda and Tom Watson cancelling out Tyrese Campbell’s opener for the Blades.
This win not only marks a pivotal moment in Sunderland’s recent history but also signals the end of their time in the Football League, as they join Leeds United and Burnley in the top flight for the 2025/26 season.
The Match: From Setback to Sensation
The final began with Sheffield United showing early intent, and they nearly took the lead inside the opening 20 seconds. Anthony Patterson, Sunderland’s goalkeeper, was forced into a brilliant save to deny Kieffer Moore’s downward header.
Disaster struck early for Sunderland when captain Luke O’Nien suffered a dislocated shoulder following a brave aerial challenge, prompting an early substitution.
Despite Sunderland’s attempts to settle, it was Sheffield United who found the breakthrough. In the 25th minute, a swift counterattack launched by Gus Hamer saw him deliver a perfectly weighted outside-of-the-boot pass into the path of Tyrese Campbell, who calmly lifted the ball over the onrushing Patterson to give United the lead.
The Blades thought they had doubled their advantage in the second half when Harrison Burrows’s low volley found the net, but a VAR check ruled the goal out for offside. That moment proved crucial.
Second-Half Shift and Sunderland’s Resilience
Sunderland, who had trailed for much of the game, began the second half with greater urgency. Despite their dominance in possession, Chris Wilder’s side held firm, with experienced defender Hamza Choudhury putting in a standout performance at the back.
But Sunderland’s persistence paid off in the 76th minute. A precise pass from substitute Patrick Roberts split the defence and found Eliezer Mayenda, who rifled a powerful shot into the roof of the net to level the score.
As extra time loomed, it appeared the match might need another 30 minutes to produce a winner. But in the 95th minute, Tom Watson, only recently introduced and not even listed in the matchday programme, pounced on a loose ball from Moore and finished brilliantly beyond Michael Cooper to complete an astonishing turnaround.
Watson, who is reportedly set to join Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer, delivered a performance that Sunderland fans will never forget.
Post-Match Reactions
Regis Le Bris (Sunderland Head Coach):
“We didn’t start well – perhaps a bit nervous. But this team has shown throughout the season that we never give up. The players found the solution in the second half. It’s a proud moment for the club, the players, and the fans.”
Chris Wilder (Sheffield United Manager):
“It’s a devastating way to lose. We had the better chances overall, but football is about taking your moments. Sunderland did that. Full credit to them – they took their chances and they’re going up.”
Key Statistics and Records
- Sunderland become the first team since Leicester City (1996) to win the Championship play-off final after trailing at half-time.
- This victory marks just their third win at Wembley since their famous FA Cup triumph in 1973.
- Sunderland had the youngest average starting XI in the Championship this season – 23 years, 316 days.
- The club spent more time in the top six than any other side – 266 days, including 100 days in the automatic promotion spots.
What’s Next for Sunderland?
Sunderland will be formally confirmed as a Premier League club at the league’s Annual General Meeting this summer. Fixtures for the 2025/26 season will be released at 09:00 BST on Wednesday, 18 June, with the new campaign starting on 16 August.
After years of near misses, rebuilding, and frustration, Sunderland’s loyal supporters can finally dream big again. The Black Cats are back in the big time – and they’re not just here to make up the numbers.
