LONDON, England – After intense back-and-forth at Wembley Stadium, Sunderland clinched promotion to the Premier League with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final on May 23, 2025.
Substitute Tom Watson, who will join Brighton this summer, scored the winning goal in the 95th minute, securing a triumph worth an estimated £200 million for Sunderland, while leaving the Blades grappling with yet another play-off heartbreak.
Sheffield United started the match bright, with Kieffer Moore almost finding the net within the first two minutes, but Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson made a stunning save to deny him.
The Blades eventually took the lead in the first half through Tyrese Campbell, who scored after an exceptional assist from Championship Player of the Year Gustavo Hamer. However, Sheffield’s woes began when Harrison Burrows had a volley ruled out by VAR, which would have put them 2-0 ahead just before halftime.
Sunderland continued to battle back and leveled the score when Eliezer Mayenda rifled in a shot after a swift attack, sending their fans into a frenzy with just minutes left in normal time.
As the match approached extra-time, Watson capitalized on a defensive error from Sheffield United, slicing through the defense to deliver the decisive blow and send Sunderland back to the top flight for the first time in eight years.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder reflected on his side’s misfortunes during the match, expressing disappointment over their inability to finish opportunities. “It’s not luck; it was in our hands. We need to kill off games and have that quality,” he stated.
Wilder’s team has now endured a long-standing play-off curse, experiencing their fifth defeat in a final and the tenth overall failure to secure promotion through this route. They were left to ponder their latest setback despite finishing the regular season strong with 90 points.
The dramatic win returned Sunderland to the Premier League under the guidance of Régis Le Bris, who took over a squad that had previously struggled in League One. As they prepare for the challenges ahead, players and fans alike celebrate a momentous return to the big leagues.
“I can’t really put it into words. … It’s unbelievable,” Watson exclaimed after the match. He noted the significance of his contribution as he gears up for his future with Brighton in the Premier League next season.
Amidst the celebration for Sunderland, Sheffield United lamented what could have been, as they faced the harsh reality of their failure to capitalize on their season’s successes. “It’s a bitter disappointment,” Wilder lamented, reflecting on his players’ efforts and the heartache experienced by their supporters.
Sunderland’s promotion marks a new chapter for a club that has seen its share of ups and downs over recent years, while Sheffield United must regroup and reassess as another season in the Championship awaits.
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