Tommy Watson immediately reacts to ‘Unbelievable’ Sunderland win v Sheffield United
Sunderland won the Championship play-off final in dramatic fashion as they overcame Sheffield United 2-1 at Wembley on Saturday.
It looked as if it would be heartbreak for Regis Le Bris’ side after an awful start, with Luke O’Nien forced off for the Mackems, before Tyrese Campbell put the Blades in front.
Yet, a late surge saw Eliezer Mayenda equalise with 15 minutes to go, with Tommy Watson then following it up with a curling winner in added time.
Watson reacts to crazy final Sunderland moments
Watson faced plenty of criticism from Sunderland fans in the build-up to the final.
The academy starlet is set to leave for Brighton in the summer, with the match against Sheffield United being his final game at the club.
However, despite his poor performances in the build-up to the play-offs, he has now cemented himself in Sunderland history with the winner.
| Tommy Watson against Sheffield United | |
| Minute on | 73rd minute |
| Touches | 5 |
| Pass completion | 67 per cent |
| Shots | 1 |
| Goals | 1 |
Coming off the bench, the 19-year-old took advantage of a poor Kieffer Moore pass to slot the ball into the bottom corner and see the Sunderland fans go wild.
Talking immediately after the full-time whistle, Watson expressed his happiness with the moment, explaining to Sky Sports (24 May): “I think my celebration says it all.
“Just look around, it’s unbelievable. We’ll see each other in the Premier League next year.
“I’ve been thinking about it for weeks. My story was written when I came off the bench.
“I couldn’t have pictured it any better.”
Watson needs to come back to Sunderland next season
Now that promotion is secured, plans will already be underway for the upcoming season.
While Watson will no longer be at the Black Cats, Le Bris has to try and tempt the 19-year-old back.
Sunderland have already been backed to secure a loan deal for Watson, and his goal against Sheffield United should make this a reality.
He has proven that he can perform in the biggest games, and that could prove to be vital next season in the battle to stay up in the Premier League.
Despite the lack of emotion on his face, the ultimate shock of just scoring the biggest goal of his career will likely have taken over, but what a moment that was.