Sunderland will return to the Premier League for the first time since their relegation in 2017. The Black Cats turned the game around in stoppage time to win 2-1 against Sheffield United in a dramatic promotion final.
Who will complete the Premier League? Sheffield United and Sunderland answered that question on Saturday in the “richest game in football,” where, in addition to promotion, around 260 million euros were at stake.
The importance of the game did not faze Sheffield, who finished the regular season in third place, 14 points ahead of the Black Cats (the biggest gap ever between two finalists). On the contrary, the Blades started very strongly and almost took an early lead, but Patterson made a superb save to deny Moore’s header (2′). Although the keeper prevented his side from falling behind, some AFC fans looked concerned as they watched the pitch. The reason: captain O’Nien was injured while defending and had to leave the field early (6th minute).
Burrows’ goal disallowed by VAR
Although Sunderland took some of the pace out of the hectic opening phase even without their defensive leader, it was the Blades who had cause to celebrate. After an AFC corner, Hamer sprinted half the length of the field and played a pass with the outside of his foot to Campbell, who finished with a skilful chip (25′). The lead changed the complexion of the game: Sheffield allowed Sunderland to have the ball without losing control.
Chris Wilder’s side were simply more determined, both in the tackles and in attack. For this reason, they were closer to making it 2-0. After Mayenda had provided the first chance for the visitors (27th minute), Burrows scored from distance with a bouncing shot (34th minute). However, the VAR ruled out the goal due to Vinicius Souza being offside, so the score remained “only” 1-0 at half-time.
Mayenda puts Sunderland on the scoreboard
Sunderland came out of the dressing room with much more energy. However, this did not yield any results at first, as the North East side continued to lack ideas. As a result, the Blades were even able to afford not to threaten the goal for long periods of time. Nevertheless, the chance to seal the win came out of nowhere. Brooks stole the ball from Cirkin but then failed to beat Patterson in a one-on-one situation (70′).
Mayenda punished them at the other end: he latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from the impressive Roberts and slotted it under the crossbar (76′), setting up extra time. Just as everyone was preparing for 30 minutes of extra time, it was youngster Watson’s moment to shine: the 19-year-old, who came up through the club’s youth ranks, scored from distance in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sending the AFC fans into ecstasy.
The 2-1 win means that Sunderland, who were in League One between 2018 and 2022, will return to the Premier League for the first time since the 2016/17 season.
