Sunderland fans will still be on cloud nine following their incredible promotion to the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, and this summer will be an exciting one for supporters.
Few gave the Black Cats a chance in the Championship play-off final, and after Tyrese Campbell gave Sheffield United the lead in the 25th minute, it looked as though the third-place finishers were going to return to the top flight just 12 months after their relegation.
But a second half fightback saw Regis Le Bris’s side take control, with Eliezer Mayenda firing his team level. Despite this, a winner never looked as though it was going to come, that was until Kieffer Moore’s huge mistake allowed Tommy Watson the chance to run free and strike from distance to win the match in the 95th minute.
It was the teenager’s last touch as a Sunderland player with the midfielder joining Brighton & Hove Albion for £10m in the summer, as per BBC Sport, and Luke O’Nien has paid tribute to him ahead of the move.
Luke O’Nien praises Tommy Watson for his attitude at Sunderland
O’Nien’s play-off final came to an end just moments after kick-off, as he suffered a shoulder injury while competing against Moore for the ball inside the first two minutes. He was forced to watch on with his arm in a sling, but he was first on the scene for the celebrations.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
The 30-year-old has never featured in the Premier League before, but he now has the chance to make his top flight bow all thanks to Watson, who he has praised following his winning strike.
He said (via: The Northern Echo): “He’s dealt with it all unbelievably well. I couldn’t be any more proud or happier for Tommy and his family. I know his dad.
“He’s a perfect example for if I want my kids to ever experience something. The fact he faced adversity and his reaction to that, not just here, but right through.
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
“Tommy scored that winning goal weeks ago when he got booed by our own fans. He came in every single day, carried on working for the club, carried on being a really good team-mate, carried on learning.
“He scored that winning goal weeks ago. He’s the perfect example for any human being to live, to learn by and to be inspired by. I’m a massive fan of Tommy – and I can’t wait to smash him next season!”
Tommy Watson’s relationship with Black Cats supporters looks to have been salvaged
Fans did not take too kindly to Watson’s decision to leave Sunderland when the deal was first announced in April, and he has been on the receiving end of boos from the Stadium of Light faithful for weeks.
However, his goal against Sheffield United will help make amends for the move, and supporters at Wembley were chanting his name following the full-time whistle as a summer-long party begins for the Wearsiders.
He will get to face his soon-to-be former club in the Premier League next season and the reaction of fans will be interesting to see, but for now, Watson has written his name into Sunderland history and that goal will forever be celebrated.