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Pundit Calls on Sunderland Fans to Forgive Tommy Watson’s Brighton Move After Stunning £220m Play-Off Final Winner
Sunderland’s long-awaited return to the Premier League was sealed in dramatic fashion at Wembley, thanks to local hero Tommy Watson’s last-gasp winner against Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final.
Both teams had endured a grueling 49-match Championship season, but it was the Blades who initially dominated the Wembley showdown, taking the lead through Tyrese Campbell. Despite their early advantage and several missed opportunities, Sheffield United couldn’t hold on. Sunderland fought back, with Eliezer Mayenda equalizing in the 76th minute. But it was Watson, who is set to join Brighton in a £10 million deal this summer, who stole the show with a stunning goal deep into stoppage time, sparking euphoric celebrations for the Black Cats.
The 19-year-old winger had faced criticism from Sunderland supporters in recent months, as his form dipped following the announcement of his impending transfer. However, his performance in the final was among the best on the pitch, proving his quality when it mattered most.
Sky Sports commentators highlighted the tactical execution behind Sunderland’s triumph, emphasizing the importance of pace on the wings and the team’s resolute defensive effort. Ali Maxwell of NTT20 had predicted a 2-1 Sunderland win, and football legends like Roy Keane wished the team luck ahead of the game. The victory also secured Sunderland an estimated £240 million prize from the play-off win.
Sky Sports’ commentary team described Watson’s final touch as an extraordinary moment, marking his first goal since a December brace against Stoke City. Don Goodman acknowledged the boos Watson received from fans earlier but stated, “If this is his parting gift, Sunderland will forgive him forever.” Goodman praised the finish, noting the tiring opposition’s failure to close down the winger, which proved costly.
Andy Hinchcliffe admired the awareness and composure Watson showed in executing the goal, highlighting the clever use of teammate Vini Souza as a screen and the precise strike into the bottom corner. David Prutton called it a “£220 million final touch,” underscoring the value of Watson’s contribution in propelling Sunderland back to the top flight.
BBC Newcastle’s Nick Barnes also celebrated Watson’s finish, declaring it a moment that might have just secured Sunderland’s Premier League future.
For Watson, the moment was one to cherish forever. Speaking to Sky Sports, the 19-year-old said, “I can’t really put it into words… it’s unbelievable. We’ll see each other next year in the Premier League, in the big time.” He admitted he had envisioned a moment like this for weeks, feeling it was destined. “I saw a little gap, used him as a screen, and curled it into the corner,” he recalled.
Despite the bittersweet nature of Watson’s departure, pundits urge Sunderland fans to appreciate the remarkable farewell gift he delivered—a goal that ended an eight-year wait and could be worth hundreds of millions for the club.
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