Watson's late goal sends Sunderland into the Premier League | OneFootball

Tom Watson struck a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time to hand Sunderland a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in their Championship play-off clash at Wembley on Saturday.

The result sees Sunderland join Leeds United and Burnley in securing promotion to the Premier League for the 2025-26 season.

It marks the Black Cats’ return to top-flight football for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign, ending an eight-year absence from the Premier League.

Chris Wilder's side had the better of the first half and took the lead after 25 minutes through Tyrese Campbell, who finished off a swift counter-attack with a well-taken goal.

Sunderland had already suffered an early blow, with Luke O’Nien forced off after dislocating his shoulder just minutes into the game, shortly after Anthony Patterson kept out a close-range effort from Kieffer Moore.

Patterson was called into action again midway through the second half, making a brilliant save to deny Andre Brooks and keep the deficit at just one.

That moment proved crucial, as Sunderland levelled in the 76th minute when Patrick Roberts slid a pass through to Eliezer Mayenda, who took a touch before lashing the ball into the roof of the net.

With the match seemingly heading to extra time, Regis Le Bris' side found a winner in the dying seconds.

After Moore lost possession near the halfway line, Watson picked up the ball on the edge of the area and curled a composed finish into the bottom corner - a superb goal from the 19-year-old that sparked wild celebrations among the travelling supporters.

It was a crushing blow for the Blades, who had controlled large spells of the game, but full credit to Sunderland for digging deep and turning their fortunes around after ending the regular season on a five-game losing streak.