Sheffield United 1-2 Sunderland LIVE: Watson the hero with winner in final game as Black Cats end EPL exile to re-join England’s elite clubs
Sunderland are back into the Premier League after a 2-1 win over Sheffield United in the Championship Play-Off Final.
Tommy Watson was the hero for the Black Cats as he scored in his last game for the club before joining Brighton deep into stoppage time.
He was introduced as a substitute and played his part in the equaliser as well, which was scored by Eliezer Mayenda after Sunderland had been dominated for 75 minutes.
But a couple of big saves from Anthony Patterson kept them in the game and allowed the two young lads to have their moment.
The Black Cats haven't been in the top-flight since 2017, but they are back.
Sheffield United 1-2 Sunderland - REACTION
Right, that's it from us this evening as Sunderland return to the Premier League.
The Black Cats are back among the big boys and will be rubbing shoulders with the greatest teams once again.
The party in London and on Wearside will go on into the summer.
Planning for the Premier League will have to start, but for now, it's time to celebrate.
For Sheffield United, it wasn't to be, and they'll have to go again.
But this is all about Sunderland.
Done deal
With Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League confirmed, Enzo Le Fee will be joining them permanently.
The Frenchman joined the Black Cats in January on loan from Roma with an obligation to buy should they win promotion.
The versatile midfielder will cost around £20 million, and you would think it will be announced in due course.
Le Fee showed in his time so far that he has Premier League quality in abundance, and Sunderland fans will be seeing a lot more of him.
Credit: Getty Derby days are back
One other benefit to Sunderland being back in the Premier League is that the Tyne and Wear derby is back!
The Black Cats' rivalry with Newcastle United is easily one of the best in the country.
It is a contest between two passionate clubs and fanbases who hate each other despite being ten miles apart.
The last derby was in the FA Cup last year and ended in a 3-0 win for Newcastle.
However, in the Premier League, it is the Wearsiders who have the better of the recent results.
The Toon haven't won in the top-flight against their bitter rivals since 2011.
But we will get to have this game twice next year, and I can't wait already because it's a special tie.
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'Amazing'
Sunderland are back in the Premier League, and Regis Le Bris is the man to do it.
The Frenchman made two brilliant substitutions in the game that changed it.
Patrick Roberts set up the equaliser before Tommy Watson scored the winner.
And after the match, he spoke to Sky Sports, he said:
"It was a weird game. We didn't start it well. We were a bit nervous, and we knew they could be clinical.
"After that, this game represents the way we've played this season with reslience and discipline.
"It's amazing."
Credit: Getty 'I'm in tears'
talkSPORT's Micky Gray and Sunderland fan was overcome with emotion when talking about this achievement on-air.
He said: “I’m in tears, honestly, it’s absolutely incredible.
“I came here today and I didn't think I was going to witness this, but from 75 minutes onwards there was only one team gonna win.
“We got the equalising goal and then what a parting gift from Tom Watson. Absolutely incredible!
“The scenes are just… I mean, you don't get this all the time, it’s just absolutely incredible. These fans, they live and breathe football in the North East. This is what they go for. It's just sensational. I absolutely love it.
“And Tom Watson, he's been absolutely incredible. What a way to go. What a send-off.
“Yes, we want to see him in a Sunderland shirt next season, it’s not gonna happen, but my goodness he will never be forgotten now. He’s an absolute legend at a young age.
“And his goal, that is just cool, calmness, that a finish. Just absolutely incredible - wow!"
Huge
So, Sunderland are back in the Premier League.
It means their fans will get to visit Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest of the sides.
But financially, it's huge, £220 million huge.
That is how much this win is worth for the club over the next few years.
'I am so proud'
Sunderland defender Luke O'Nein only lasted 70 seconds before suffering a dislocated shoulder.
And immediately after the game, he spoke to Sky Sports.
He said: "I don't know why you guys are interviewing me, although it is probably my best game in a Sunderland top since I joined the club.
"I am so proud of these boys. I can't really believe what I've just seen.
"I have never had anxiety like it. The message at half time was to get one goal and another would follow - the gaffer said it.
"I am just delighted to play a part in this happiness. But I didn't even play a part.
"I am in debt to this club for the rest of my life."
Credit: Getty Disbelief
This was the reaction at full time of the Sunderland players after they were promoted to the Premier League.
Credit: Getty 'I can't put it into words'
Tommy Watson is the Sunderland hero!
The young man scored deep in stoppage time to secure a return to the Premier League for the Black Cats.
Incredibly, this is his last game for the club before he joins Brighton.
Speaking after the game, he said: "I can't put it into words - it's f****** unbelievable.
"We'll see each other in the Premier League next year.
"I have been thinking about it for weeks. I think that story was written.
"I couldn't have imagined it being any better, to be honest."
Sheffield United 1-2 Sunderland - FULL TIME
THAT'S IT, SUNDERLAND'S PREMIER LEAGUE EXILE IS OVER!
THE BLACK CATS WILL BE IN THE TOP-FLIGHT NEXT YEAR!
At half time, Sheffield United were cruising 1-0, but Gustavo Hamer going off changed everything.
Eliezer Mayenda equalised before substitute Tommy Watson scored.
The young man is set to join Brighton when the season ends, but on his final game for the Black Cats, he scored the winner.
Sunderland are back in the Premier League!
Credit: Getty GOAL! Sheffield United 1-2 Sunderland - Tommy Watson
WHAT A WAY TO SAY GOODBYE
Tommy Watson has scored in his final game for Sunderland to potentially get them back into the Premier League.
Kieffer Moore gives the ball away straight to Watson.
He advances to the edge of the box and curls in a lovely low strike.
It bends into the bottom corner, sparking wild scenes down that end of Wembley.
The Black Cats are so close to ending their Premier League exile.
Credit: Getty Sheffield United 1-1 Sunderland
Yet more added time as Anel Ahmedhodzic suffers a huge clash of heads with his own player.
After four minutes of treatment, he is back on his feet.
Still some time to go here...
Sheffield United 1-1 Sunderland
We are into seven minutes of stoppage time, and it is almost nailed on that we are going to extra time.
Former Sunderland and Liverpool star Jordan Henderson is watching on as this game edges towards its conclusion.
Meanwhile, Ben Bereton Diaz has had to be substitute after a brutal but fair tackle from Trai Hume.
Tom Davies is also introduced, replacing Sydie Peck, while Tom Cannon comes on for Diaz.
Sheffield United 1-1 Sunderland
The momentum has totally shifted now.
Suddenly, it is Sunderland who are seeing all of the ball in dangerous positions.
Jobe Bellingham finds space on the edge of the box and let's fly.
It's a decent effort that whistles over the bar from 25 yards.
GOAL! Sheffield United 1-1 Sunderland - Eliezer Mayenda
FINALLY, SOME QUALITY!
Tommy Watson does well on the right and shifts a pass inside for Patrick Roberts.
Roberts feeds Eliezer Mayenda in the box.
His first touch is top drawer, and the second is even better as he crashes a shot into the back of the net.
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Sheffield United 1-0 Sunderland
Gustavo Hamer has shone in this match, but he can't carry on.
The midfielder limps off and is replaced by Ben Bereton Diaz.
The forward takes his place on the field for the closing stages of the game.
Wilson Isidor and Tommy Watson are introduced for Romain Mundle and Dan Neil.
This is Watson's final game before he joins Brighton.
Sheffield United 1-0 Sunderland - Chance
How big could that be!
Dennis Cirkin fails to deal with a bouncing ball, and Andre Brooks is onto him.
The forward nips in and drills in a low shot towards the near post.
Anthony Patterson dives the wrong way, but he sticks out a leg that deflects the ball away.
Huge save to rescue Sunderland and Cirkin.
Credit: Getty Sheffield United 1-0 Sunderland
Chris Wilder makes his first changes of the game.
Goalscorer Tyrese Campbell and Rhian Brewster go off.
Andre Brooks and Callum O'Hare are the men to replace the duo.
Sheffield United 1-0 Sunderland
Chris Rigg's record-breaking game is over.
Regis Le Bris decides it is time for a more attacking option in his place.
Patrick Roberts is the man to replace him.
Sheffield United 1-0 Sunderland - Chance
Has to do better!
Kieffer Moore holds the ball up well on the left and finds Sydie Peck.
Peck drills the pass down the left for the striker, and he has loads of time and space.
Tyrese Campbell is waiting for the cross, but Moore cuts inside and gets into the box.
He takes too long, and Chris Rigg blocks the shot when he should have been getting a shot on target.
Sheffield United 1-0 Sunderland
This is much better from Sunderland.
The Black Cats have penned the Blades back into their half.
The Sunderland supporters behind that goal are trying to make as much noise as possible.
They are yet to create a chance, but the intent is there.
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Sheffield United 1-0 Sunderland - Kick-off
Okay, we are back underway for the second 45 minutes.
There are no changes for either side, which is a surprise from Sunderland's point of view.
You would think Regis Le Bris won't wait too long to make a switch.
Both sides are attacking their own fans.
Sheffield United 1-0 Sunderland - HALF TIME
That is the end of the first 45 minutes, and Sheffield United have a deserved lead.
The Blades started the game brilliantly and grabbed the lead through Tyrese Campbell after a fantastic counter-attack.
That followed Kieffer Moore having his header saved by Anthony Patterson.
For Sunderland, Luke O'Nein limped off with a dislocated shoulder, and they've not recovered from that.
The most positive thing for them is that it's only 1-0.
Sheffield United 1-0 Sunderland
First half-chance for Sunderland!
Trai Hume finds space down the right and swings a cross into the box.
It's cleared as far as Dan Neil, and he drills a low ball into the area that sliced to Chris Rigg.
Rigg watches it onto his foot and fires in a volley that Michael Cooper comfortably grabs.
Sheffield United 1-0 Sunderland
After the injury to Luke O'Nein and the VAR check for the offside goal, there are eight minutes of added time.