Sunderland have been promoted back to the Premier League thanks to a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield United.
Tyrese Campbell opened the scoring for the Blades in the 25th minute with a composed chip that followed a swift counter-attack.
Sunderland equalised when Eliezer Mayenda fired into the roof of the net on 76 minutes to set up a nervy finish.
And Tom Watson emerged as their hero at Wembley by scoring with a low finish in the fifth minute of second half stoppage-time.
It proved to be the perfect send-off for the 19-year-old with the winger to link up with Brighton in the summer.
It’s been eight years since Sunderland were last in the Premier League after their relegation at the end of the 2016/17 season.
And after dropping to League One, they have finally returned to the English top-flight where they will be reunited with rivals Newcastle for the 2025/26 campaign.
Sunderland join Leeds United and Burnley as the promoted sides.
Speaking on commentary for talkSPORT, Sunderland legend Micky Gray said: “I’m in tears, honestly, it’s absolutely incredible.
“I came here today and I didn’t think I was going to witness this, but from 75 minutes onwards there was only one team gonna win.
“We got the equalising goal and then what a parting gift from Tom Watson. Absolutely incredible!
“The scenes are just… I mean, you don’t get this all the time, it’s just absolutely incredible. These fans, they live and breathe football in the North East.
“This is what they go for. It’s just sensational. I absolutely love it. And Tom Watson, he’s been absolutely incredible. What a way to go. What a send-off.
“Yes, we want to see him in a Sunderland shirt next season, it’s not gonna happen, but my goodness he will never be forgotten now. He’s an absolute legend at a young age.
“And his goal, that is just cool, calmness, that a finish. Just absolutely incredible – wow!”
Sheffield United finished 14 points ahead of the play-off final winners in the regular Championship season table.
This is the biggest points difference between two English Football League play-off finalists in the current format since the 1988/89 term.
The Blades have also extended their winless run at Wembley after yet another defeat at the iconic stadium.
Sheffield United’s last win at the venue came in the 1925 FA Cup final against Cardiff City.
Saturday’s result is their seventh consecutive defeat at Wembley in all competitions, marking a torrid run.
Chris Wilder’s side lost four of their last seven fixtures in the regular season to see them fall away from automatic promotion.
And although they thrashed Bristol City 6-0 in the play-off semi-finals, they have missed out on a Premier League return.
Instead it was Sunderland’s day, who fought hard after losing Luke O’Nien through injury with less than ten minutes played.
Despite being in a sling, he still joined the celebrations for Mayenda’s goal and then the trophy lift.
