NafisaFormer forward Darren Bent believes one Sheffield United player should be embarrassed over the error he made that led to Sunderland scoring the decisive goal in the Championship playoff final.
With Eliezer Mayenda equalising Sheffield United’s opening goal with his effort 14 minutes from the end, it looked like the showdown at Wembley was heading for extra time.
However, deep into injury time, Sunderland winger Tommy Watson picked up the ball and delivered an outstanding strike past Blades shot-stopper Michael Cooper to put the Black Cats 2-1 ahead.
The ball was surrendered by Kieffer Moore and Watson, who is set to join Brighton when the transfer window opens, was clinical with his effort, driving Sunderland back into the Premier League.
For Bent, the blame lies squarely with Sheffield United’s Moore for losing possession in a vital part of the pitch.
“What a finish from Tom Watson”, Bent said on talkSPORT (24th May 17:01).
“Kieffer Moore has got to hang his head in shame there. One of the most experienced players on the pitch gives the ball away in the complete wrong area.”
Bent praised Watson for the calmness he demonstrated on one of football’s biggest platforms to seal Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League.
“Once it falls to Tom Watson, it’s the composure again. He’s what, fully 20 yards out? He doesn’t just smash it, he just works on his technique and rolls it past the goalkeeper in that far corner from the edge of the box.
“It’s such a composed finish. It’s incredible for Tom Watson.
Kieffer Moore, when he looks back at it, he just gives the ball away in the wrong area.”
Sunderland must now gear up for life in the Premier League, with Regis Le Bris making a remarkable impression in his debut season at the helm.
A direct consequence of the playoff triumph is that Sunderland will sign loan standout Enzo Le Fee from Roma permanently.
Le Bris will no doubt look to strengthen further in the coming weeks and months as Sunderland aim to stay in the top flight.
Nafisa
