(credit: Imago)

Premier League fans in agreement after Sunderland triumph - 'Win-win situation'

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with experience at FanHub and the Sunderland Echo; Sunderland University graduate. FOCUS Transfer analysis and breaking news across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Josh utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, first-to-market transfer reporting. He provides the deal detail behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

14 May 2025, 6:01 am

Sunderland are 90 minutes away from making a return to the Premier League for the first time since relegation in 2016.

Sunderland's promotion aspirations live on after an incredible night at the Stadium of Light, when Dan Ballard fired home a 122nd-minute header to seal their spot in the play-off final at Wembley.

Not only did the Black Cats end their 40-year voodoo in the first leg against Coventry, but they took one step closer to a spot back in the English top-flight; something they have been dreaming about for years.

It goes without saying, but Sunderland supporters will be praying to the footballing gods that this year will be theirs, and it seems as though they aren't the only ones ahead of the Wembley clash with Sheffield United.

Sunderland have reached the play-off final (Credit: Imago)

Sunderland have millions on their side at Wembley

Sunderland deserve to be in the Premier League, and their history backs up that argument, as does their incredibly passionate fanbase.

Last night's win against Coventry saw the biggest Championship crowd in eight years, with over 46,500 fans in attendance.

Sheffield United will be the favourites for the final, but the Wearsiders will have confidence of their own after securing a 2-1 victory against them last time out, and they will be backed by fans all around the world who want to see the Mackems back in the Premier League.

We ALL want Sunderland promoted don’t we? 🙏
— Alex 𝓕𝓪𝓷 (@xAlexTHFC) May 13, 2025

Surely everyone wants Sunderland to win this

We then get probably the best Derby in England back

Sheffield Utd get promoted and we get wilder crying every week and the worse football imaginable https://t.co/ZgC8Lg005z
— 🇮🇪 Mika 🇮🇪 (@fenian__army) May 13, 2025

Rather Sunderland get promoted to the Prem over Sheffield United. Away days at the Stadium of Light have always been class!

However, West Ham's recruitment team will be hoping Sunderland stays down so their targets are available for a decent fee.

Win win situation really. 🤷🏻‍♂️
— West Ham News & Views (@WestHamViews_) May 13, 2025

Honestly really hope Sunderland get promoted.
— Riley (@UtdRiley_) May 13, 2025

Hope Sunderland get promoted, can't be having Shef Utd in the premier league again
— Soph (@SophieONeill26) May 13, 2025

Need Sunderland to get promoted, no one wants to see Sheffield United back in the Prem
— Cormac (@catboyshit) May 14, 2025

Sunderland HAVE to get promoted, we need the SUN/NEW Derby in the PL again after so long
— ⚜️ (@rsnball) May 14, 2025

We need Sunderland in the Premier league and we deserve them.
— Msee Flani_ (@Msee_flaniKe) May 14, 2025

I want Sunderland back in Premier league 🤞🏼
— FPL.dxy (@Ahamedhahd9) May 14, 2025

Regis Le Bris could achieve something special with Sunderland

After the disappointment of last season, very few would have anticipated Sunderland being in the position that they currently are.

First leg	Second leg
Coventry 1-2 Sunderland	Sunderland 1-1 Coventry

Sunderland won 3-2 on aggregate and secured a spot in the final.

However, they need to take advantage of that and ensure that they are at their absolute best for 90 minutes at Wembley.

Sheffield United are a good side, as demonstrated by their 90-point season, but the Black Cats have shown that they're capable of beating anyone on their day, and if there is a time to replicate that, it is in the play-off final at Wembley.

Premier League