Sunderland star Chris Rigg makes instant history in Championship play-off final
Chris Rigg made Championship play-off final history just by starting in Sunderland's win against Sheffield United.
The Black Cats beat the Blades 2-1 to seal their promotion back to the Premier League.
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Sheffield United thrashed Bristol City 6-0 in their semi-final legs, with Sunderland beating Coventry City 3-2 in a dramatic tie.
Academy star Rigg made 46 appearances this season before the final and was selected in their starting XI by manager Regis Le Bris.
This made him the youngest ever player to feature in a play-off final, with the midfielder just 17-years-old.
Rigg has featured 71 times for Sunderland since making his debut in January 2023.
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He was named on the bench in both legs against Coventry but came on as a substitute in each fixture.
Sunderland have spent eight seasons outside of the Premier League after their relegation at the end of the 2016/17 season.
They suffered back-to-back relegations and spent four campaigns in League One before returning to the Championship in 2022.
But they will now be one of the 20 teams competing in the Premier League next season after a dramatic victory.
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Sheffield United took the lead in the first half when Tyrese Campbell finished off a counter-attack with a composed chip.
Eliezer Mayenda equalised for Sunderland by firing into the roof of the net, with extra-time beginning to loom soon after.
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However, Tom Watson won it for the Black Cats during second half stoppage-time to spark jubilant scenes at Wembley.
Sunderland have ended their eight-year exile from the Premier League with another edition of Championship play-off drama.
But for Sheffield United, they face a second consecutive season in the Championship despite finishing above their opponents.
They were relegated from the Premier League last season, although won't join Burnley in an instant return.