Watson sends Sunderland into Premier League with stoppage-time winner

Substitute Tom Watson scored a stoppage-time winner as Sunderland rallied to beat Sheffield United 2-1 in the English Football League (EFL) Championship Play-offs final in London on Saturday to earn promotion to the Premier League.

Watson struck from the edge of the penalty area five minutes into injury time after Kieffer Moore gave the ball away, and then slid on his knees with his jersey off in celebration at Wembley Stadium.

Sunderland defender Luke O'Nien, who needed oxygen treatment early and went off after hurting his right shoulder, joined in the celebrations with his arm in a sling.

The Black Cats joined Leeds and Burnley in getting promoted from the second tier to the money-spinning top flight.

The EFL Play-offs final is the most lucrative one-off game in world football, with Sunderland – last in the Premier League in 2017 – in line to gain an estimated revenue uplift of around 200 million pounds (about $260 million) in matchday, broadcast, and commercial revenue.

"Honestly, it's incredible, I don't think I can put it into words," Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson said. "It's not even sunk in what's happening, but I'm gonna enjoy every moment now."

Striker Tyrese Campbell gave Sheffield United the lead, and the Blades dominated the first half. Campbell is the son of former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell, who passed away last year.

Spanish forward Eliezer Mayenda equalized in the 76th for Sunderland, three minutes after manager Regis Le Bris sent on Watson.

It was a heart-breaking defeat for Sheffield, who were relegated from the Premier League last season after winning just three matches and conceding 104 goals.