Sunderland faced off against Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
With a spot in the Premier League at stake and a £240 million prize fund for the winner, it promised to be a nerve-shredding afternoon for both sets of supporters.
But it was Sheffield United who settled the quickest in this Championship play-off final. In the opening few minutes, Kieffer Moore’s diving header reduced a world-class save down low from Anthony Patterson before Luke O’Nien was forced off with a dislocated shoulder.
This should have served as a warning for Sunderland, who were well off the pace in the opening exchanges, but it was the Blades who continued to control proceedings.
Sheffield United made their dominance count with a sweeping counter-attack in the 25th minute, orchestrated by the excellent Gustavo Hamer, and finished with a deft lob by Tyrese Campbell.
Sunderland continued to look sluggish and out of ideas for most of the second half until substitute Patrick Roberts played through Eliezer Mayenda with a moment of quality, who rifled his chance past Michael Cooper.
But just when the Black Cats needed a moment of brilliance, Tommy Watson came off the bench and sent a sweeping finish past Cooper to send Sunderland into the Premier League.
So, with that said, here’s how the players rated.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Sunderland player ratings vs Sheffield United
Anthony Patterson – 9
Produced an extraordinary save down low to deny Moore in the opening minutes with his superb diving header. But couldn’t do anything about Campbell’s deft lob. And then denied Andre Brooks from close range late in the second half. He’s one of the main reasons why his side secured promotion.
Trai Hume – 7
The ever-reliable Trai Hume was brilliant defensively. He was constantly aware of crosses coming into the box and made some vital interventions and ferocious sliding tackles.
Dan Ballard – 6
Ballard was the hero in the play-off semi-final with his dramatic late winner. This was a much tougher test for the Englishman, who was up against the lively Moore and Campbell. Although some of his teammates shirked responsibility at Wembley, he rose to the occasion and produced a decent performance.
Luke O’Nien – N/A
O’Nien’s latest Wembley appearance went the worst way possible. He was unfortunately forced off in the first few minutes after dislocating his shoulder when challenging Moore.
Dennis Cirkin – 3
A very disappointing performance from Cirkin. The Englishman’s threat was nullified going forward for most of the game, and he got away with his huge mistake in the second half after being dispossessed on the edge of his own box.
Dan Neil – 4
When Sunderland needed their captain to turn up, he was completely invisible on Wembley turf. Neil’s greatest strength is normally dictating the flow of a game with his passing, but the aggression of Vinicius Souza and Sydie Peck prevented him from gaining control.
Jobe Bellingham – 5
Bellingham didn’t have his greatest performance on the Wembley stage and struggled to gain a foothold in the game.
Chris Rigg – 6
Rigg was the shining light for Le Bris in the first half. The 17-year-old used the ball very well and looked the brightest of a bad bunch going forward before being substituted on the hour mark.
Enzo Le Fee – 6
Lee Fee’s influence was completely nullified by Sheffield United in the first half. But once he was moved into a number 10 position, he started pulling the strings and was a creative influence in attack.
Romaine Mundle – 3
Mundle was an injury doubt heading into the final. He didn’t train in the days following their win over Coventry City, but he was confirmed as fit by Le Bris and was unleashed on the left flank.
Many would have predicted him to run riot against Hamza Choudhury however, the 22-year-old was pocketed by the Leicester City loanee and lacked conviction in wide areas.
Eliezer Mayenda – 8
Mayenda was Sunderland’s liveliest attacker. The youngster made some great driving runs throughout the game, and when he was set free by Roberts, his devastating finish put his side back on level terms against the run of play.
Substitutes
Chris Mepham – 7
On a day when some of his teammates struggled, Mepham was solid at the back for Sunderland after coming on, making some crucial blocks and tackles.
Patrick Roberts – 8
An incredible impact from the bench. His turn, driving run and incisive pass into Mayenda was a moment of pure quality that Sunderland lacked throughout.
Tommy Watson – 9
Watson will join Brighton in the summer, and he’s just delivered Sunderland the best parting gift with an excellent finish past Cooper in the final minutes of the game to send his side into the Premier League.
Wilson Isidor – 5
Added an extra dimension to the Sunderland attack in the final 20 minutes.