Luke O'Nien reacts as Sunderland beat Sheffield United to reach Premier League
Sunderland will play in the Premier League for the first time since 2017 next season, after they beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Wembley in the play-off final.
The Black Cats suffered an early double-blow when club captain Luke O’Nien’s match-ending shoulder injury was followed by Tyrese Campbell’s chipped opener in the 25th minute.
Any chance of promotion looked to have slipped away when Harrison Burrows scored just nine minutes later, but VAR intervened, judging that Vini Souza had interfered from an offside position.
Sunderland fought back in the second half, eventually awarded for their pressure via an Eliezer Mayenda equaliser in the 76th minute.
And in stoppage time, Tom Watson seized on a stray pass and drove towards goal, slotting the ball beyond the reach of Michael Cooper to send the Sunderland end into raptures.
O’Nien 'so proud' of Sunderland teammates
With just three minutes played, O’Nien was forced to depart the pitch after an awkward landing had left him in agony.
The defender had suffered a dislocated shoulder, but the pain did not infringe on his celebrations as the goals went in.
Speaking to Sky Sports immediately after the game, O’Nien joked: "It's probably my best game since joining the club.
"I'm so proud of this club and these boys - I can't believe what's just happened. I've never felt anxiety like that - but the gaffer said if you get one goal, who knows what can happen.”
Sunderland did exactly that – Mayenda’s smashed finish completely flipped the momentum, despite following several big Sheffield United chances.
O’Nien continued: "Those boys, Tommy Watson - Sunderland legend. They're all Sunderland legends. I am just delighted to play a part in the happiness. What am I saying? I didn't play a part, I did nothing.
"I was just there on the side watching - I covered more ground celebrating when Eliezer and Tommy scored."
Sunderland emerge from a deep storm
The Premier League has only increased in difficulty for newly promoted clubs since 2017 – for the last two seasons running, all three promoted teams have immediately gone back down.
Sunderland will have to strengthen considerably if they are to avoid the same fate, but now is the time for celebration.
Fans of the club have faced blow after blow in the last eight years, which has been heavily publicised.
Relegation from the Premier League was followed by a further drop to League One – the club spending four years there.
Behind the scenes, ownership trouble was mounting, and the chaotic management was highlighted by the Sunderland ‘Til I Die documentary.
Eventually, though, the Mackems were sold, and following promotion to the Championship in 2022, a return to the Premier League has looked likelier with every passing season.
That day has finally come, and Sunderland fans – more than anyone – deserve to enjoy it.