Sunderland Seal Dramatic Return to Premier League with Last-Gasp Wembley Winner
Sunderland are heading back to the Premier League after a dramatic 2–1 victory over Sheffield United in the Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium. The "Black Cats" secured the final promotion spot in stunning fashion thanks to a stoppage-time winner.
Sheffield United struck first through Campbell in the opening half, putting Paul Heckingbottom’s side in control. But Dossou levelled the score in the 76th minute, setting up a nervy finale in front of a packed Wembley crowd.
Then, in dramatic fashion, Watson emerged as Sunderland’s hero, netting the decisive goal in added time to complete an emotional comeback and seal the club’s long-awaited return to England’s top flight.
2024-25, England - Championship
Sheffield Utd - Sunderland 1:2 (1:0)
Goals: Campbell T., 25 (1:0); Dossou El., 76 (1:1); Watson Tom, 90 (1:2)
Sheffield Utd: Cooper; Ahmedhodžić (Seriki, 90); Robinson J.; Choudhury; Hamer G. (Brereton, 72; Cannon, 90); Burrows; Vinícius Souza; Peck Sydie (Davies T., 90); Brewster (Brooks A., 65); Moore Ki.; Campbell T. (O'Hare, 65)
Bench: Davies A.; McCallum S.; Holding
Yellow Cards: Brewster 59; Brereton 85
Sunderland: Patterson A.; Cirkin; Ballard; Hume; O'Nien (Mepham, 8); Neil (Watson Tom, 73); Rigg (Roberts, 58); Mundle (Isidor W., 73); Le Fée; Bellingham Jo.; Dossou El. (Hjelde, 90)
Bench: Moore S.; Browne Al.; Abdul Samed; Jones Har.
Yellow Cards: Mundle 68; Cirkin 90; Watson Tom 90