Sunderland will be returning to the Premier League after an eight-year absence.
The Black Cats triumphed in the EFL Championship playoff final, defeating Sheffield United 2-1.
You can take a few things away from this match:
A questionable VAR decision on a Sheffield United goal that would have seen them go up 2-0 in the first half
Horrific coaching from Chris Wilder in the second half to take off Gustavo Hamer
A remarkable comeback from Sunderland who took their chances
Whichever of these is your takeaway, it’s a stunning result regardless. Sunderland looked lost in the final few months of the season and were winless in their last five games heading into the playoffs. They were even booed off the pitch by their own fans at one point.
But here they are, a very young club going back to the Premier League after eight years in the wilderness. That included a double-relegation, two seasons in League One and a couple close attempts at returning to the top tier.
They face a heck of a challenge next year. Sunderland were one of the youngest clubs in Championship, and they’ll certainly be one of the youngest in the Premier League. They also had five players on loan playing for them, meaning they’ll have to spend considerable time building out a squad for the league.
With Sunderland’s promotion, we now know the three teams that are going up. They will be joined by Leeds United and Burnley.
But the question is: Will this be the third consecutive season in which all three promoted teams go straight back down?
As for Sheffield United, they’ll likely be favourites for the automatics next season after becoming the team with the highest point total not to get promoted (92). Next year’s Championship crop looks pretty weak, so I think they’ve got a good chance.
Fitzie’s track of the day: I Found You, by Alabama Shakes
And now for your links:
Alasdair Gold: “What Ange Postecoglou is set to do on Monday as Daniel Levy decides his Tottenham future”
Dan KP: “Ange Postecoglou lays out transfer demands as pressure builds on Daniel Levy decision”
Jack P-B ($$): “Daniel Levy faces the biggest decision of his Tottenham chairmanship – what to do with Ange Postecoglou”
The Athletic ($$): “Man detained after car collides with pedestrians at Liverpool’s Premier League trophy parade”