Sunderland 2-1 Sheffield Utd (May 24, 2025) Game Analysis

Sunderland pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the Championship playoff final, securing their return to the Premier League after eight years. Tom Watson’s dramatic winner, scored from outside the penalty area with incredible precision, capped an unforgettable season for the club. Despite finishing fourth and just one point behind safety in the Championship, Sunderland had faced a decades-long struggle to reach Wembley, but coach Régis Le Bris finally saw his team through. Sheffield United’s long wait for their first playoff win since 1925 was deeply regretted by their fans as their quest came to an end.