Sunderland sealed a dramatic return to the Premier League thanks to a last-gasp winner from academy graduate Tom Watson, who found the net in stoppage time to complete a stunning 2-1 comeback against Sheffield United in Saturday’s Championship playoff final at Wembley.
The match began on a tough note for the Black Cats, who trailed early after Tyrese Campbell fired the Blades ahead in the 25th minute. Despite dominating possession, 64.20% in the first half, Sunderland struggled to convert their control into goals, hitting the woodwork once from just two attempts.
Their persistence paid off late in the game. With just under 15 minutes to go, Eliezer Mayenda leveled the score.
Then came Watson’s moment of glory: the substitute calmly curled in the decisive goal deep into injury time, sparking wild celebrations from Sunderland fans who had waited eight long years to see their team climb back to the top flight.
In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Watson slotted a shot into goal as celebrations erupted across the stadium.
Sunderland ended the match with 57% possession and 3 of 9 shots on target, while Sheffield United registered four shots on target from seven attempts.
Despite finishing 14 points behind the Blades in the regular season and entering the playoffs on a shaky run, just one win in their last eight outings, Sunderland defied the odds.
The club’s resilience, under first-year head coach Regis Le Bris, turned an unlikely promotion campaign into a fairytale.
Sunderland were the underdogs in this final but manager Regis Le Bris, in his first year managing in England, has pulled off an almighty upset.
With their promotion confirmed, Sunderland joins Leeds United and Burnley in ascending to the Premier League for the 2025-26 season.
Their return not only revives the storied Tyne-Wear Derby against rivals Newcastle United but also secures an estimated $260 million windfall from Premier League revenue streams.
Sunderland have been promoted back to the Premier League for the first time since 2017 as the Black Cats fought back to beat Sheffield United 2-1 in a dramatic Championship playoff final at Wembley on Saturday.