Eliezer Mayenda scored Sunderland’s first goal as they completed a dramatic comeback (Picture: Getty)
Sunderland came from behind to stun Sheffield United 2-1 in a dramatic Championship play-off final and earn promotion to the Premier League.
The Black Cats were behind until the 76th minute with Eliezer Mayenda hammering a shot into the roof of the net to level things up at Wembley.
Tom Watson then scored a 95th-minute winner as Sunderland secured their return to the top-flight of England football for the first time in eight years, sending their supporters absolutely wild in the English capital.
Sunderland are one of three clubs promoted to Premier League after Leeds United won the Championship title and Burnley finished as runners-up.
Sheffield United headed into the play-off final as significant favourites and took the lead in the 25th minute with Tyrese Campbell dinking over Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson after a superb counter-attack.
Harrison Burrows appeared to double their lead nine minutes later but it was ruled out following a VAR review after Vinicius Souza’s infringement.
Sunderland pushed and pushed for an equaliser and it came with less than 15 minutes left as Mayenda slammed his shot past Michael Cooper after a brilliant defence-splitting pass from teammate Patrick Roberts.
Watson, who only came on as a substitute in the 73rd minute, then completed the turnaround deep into stoppage time to seal promotion.
Ironically, Watson is leaving Sunderland this summer to join Brighton and will now face his former club in the Premier League next season.
More to follow…
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