Sunderland bounce back to return to Premier League eight years later

Sunderland were promoted to the Premier League for the first time since 2017 after beating Sheffield United 2-1 in the promotion play-off at Wembley on Saturday.

The north Londoners came from behind to beat the Blades, who were favourites, thanks to goals from Spaniard Eliezer Mayenda and Tom Watson in the 95th minute when there was a whiff of extra-time in London.

Sheffield United had taken the lead in the 25th minute through Tyrese Campbell, who chipped the ball over the keeper after a great 20-yard drive from Gustavo Hamer, the Championship's best player this season.

However, the Blades, who were relegated from the Premier League last year with 104 goals conceded, were unable to hang on and return to the top flight of English football a season later.

In the 76th minute, Mayenda scored his 10th goal of the season from a through ball into the top corner and, when all signs pointed to extra time or penalties, young Watson smoothly slotted the ball past the post to send the Sunderland side into delirium, who, having bounced between League One and the Championship in recent years, will return to the Premier League for the first time since 2016-2017.

Jobe Bellingham, brother of Jude, played all 90 minutes and was among the standout performers for Sunderland.