NafisaChris Wilder’s Sheffield United were dealt a harsh blow by Sunderland at Wembley, meaning they failed to achieve promotion at the first attempt.
Tommy Watson’s farewell Sunderland moment sealed their return to the Premier League after eight years away from English football’s elite division thanks to a play-off final triumph.
Gus Hamer stood out for Sheffield United despite the loss, but the Blades will now be filled with disappointment at missing out on the enormous financial windfall and being forced to try again in the 2025/26 Championship campaign.
It could prove challenging, with key talents like Hamer and Vini Souza potentially exiting Sheffield United this summer. That suggests a squad overhaul is on the horizon, especially after they had held a 1-0 advantage at Wembley.
Chris Wilder vents fury over VAR call in play-off showdown:
Not only did they lead for much of the contest, but they might have extended that margin. Andre Brooks came close to doubling the lead shortly before Eliezer Mayenda drew Sunderland level.
In the opening half, the Blades had a goal chalked off by VAR. Sheffield United fans won’t be pleased that Mark Clattenburg later confirmed the correct call was made to disallow Harrison Burrows’ effort.
Still, Chris Wilder lamented the inconsistency of VAR not being used throughout the campaign. Speaking to Sky Sports, the Sheffield United manager said: “The goals are disappointing from our point of view.
“The manner of the goals, the shape of the team from that point of view — we can do so much better.
“I never felt we were under major threat. I don’t think Michael has had a lot to do. We started the game off ever so well.
“It’s going to be a subjective decision regarding the VAR. One thing I will say, I just don’t think that, having played 46 league games and two play-off games, that all of a sudden it comes into play.
“And I think their manager said that before the game. But there we are. Big moments. I think, if we go 2-0 up, I think we win the game comfortably.
“I think that really punctures them. But I thought that gave them belief — their supporters belief from that moment. Maybe the last 10 minutes of the first-half and the first 10 minutes of the second-half, it gave them some energy.
“Never really felt in danger but there it is. You get punished for your mistakes with the ball and without the ball — and we have done.”
Ultimately, Ousmane Dembele supported Sunderland and the Black Cats got the rub of the green with pivotal calls to clinch promotion alongside Burnley and Leeds United.
Sheffield United will be even more aggrieved after reviewing the play-off final stats against Sunderland:
The numbers from the match will only add to Sheffield United’s frustration. Not only were they in front from the 25th to the 76th minute, but they also faced just one shot in the opening 44 minutes.
Team | Shots | Shots on target | xG | Big chances | Corners | Possession %
Sheffield United | 7 | 4 | 1.46 | 3 | 1 | 43
Sunderland | 9 | 3 | 0.71 | 2 | 6 | 57
Key match stats – Sheffield United 1-2 Sunderland
That said, Sunderland appeared more threatening after the break and were rewarded for their persistence. Still, had the disallowed goal stood or Brooks squeezed his shot past Anthony Patterson, the Blades might be back in the Premier League today.
Sunderland’s tactics weren’t as sharp as in their clash with Coventry City, but they dug deep and got the job done. And they won’t care in the slightest what the statistics say.
Nafisa
