Sunderland beat Sheffield United 2-1 in the EFL Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening, securing promotion to the Premier League (PL) after an 8 year wait and their first play-off victory in five attempts.
Sheffield United, who finished 14 points ahead of their opponents in the league season, got off to a flying start in what is known as the richest game in football, taking the lead after 25 minutes when Gustavo Hamer cut through the Black Cats’ defence before sliding in Tyrese Campbell, who took a touch before exquisitely lofting the ball over Patterson.
The Black Cats With around 15 minutes left, converted their first serious chance when Eliezer Mayenda smashed his effort into the roof of the net after being picked out by Patrick Roberts to draw the game level.
Sunderland substitute Tom Watson delivered the perfect send-off in the dying minutes of the game, coolly sliding the ball past Michael Cooper from the edge of the box to trigger wild celebrations.
That goal proved to be the winner and a knife in Sheffield United’s heart, as their remarkable campaign came to an end as Sunderland makes their long-awaited return to the English top division after being demoted in the 2016/17 season.
