Sunderland had an unexpected supporter at Wembley after ‘class act’ gesture from Kyril Louis-Dreyfus

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Against all the odds, Sunderland secured victory over Sheffield United at Wembley, and EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal the Black Cats invited a special guest to the game, as well as a deep dive into what this win means for the squad.

Sunderland may have finished fourth in the Championship this season, but no team has gone into the play-offs in worse form in the history of the EFL.

On the day, Sheffield United dominated proceedings for two-thirds of the game, but everything turned on its head when Eliezer Mayenda scored against the run of play.

That goal got the Sunderland crowd roaring once more, but even they wouldn’t have expected Tommy Watson’s winning strike in the dying moments of the match.

With Premier League football now on the horizon, EFL Analysis dissects the impact this promotion will have for Sunderland, and can also reveal the VIP Kyril Louis-Dreyfus invited to Wembley.

• READ MORE: Sunderland player ratings vs Sheffield United as Tommy Watson fires Black Cats into the Premier League

What we know about Sunderland’s play-off final victory

We spoke to our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, after the final whistle to get the inside scoop on just how important this win is for Sunderland.

He said: “In so many ways this game had more riding on it for Sunderland than Sheffield United. This is a generational team – and it really could have been dismantled had they not gone up.

“I am told the Sunderland owners invited former Tony Mowbray to Wembley, and that says a lot. They know that, ironically, the Middlesbrough legend built the foundations of this side. And that really is a class act from the Stadium of Light hierarchy.”

As for the current team and what might now happen in the summer transfer window, Bailey added: “Regis Le Bris has taken this on and built an outstanding side and the fact he could attract the likes of Wilson Isiodor and Enzo Le Fee sums up his standing.

“There are few better outcomes for Sunderland than keeping Le Fee, whose move becomes permanent; he has everything in his locker to become a true Wearside legend.

“The win does mean that Sunderland will keep this team together. Will some go? Perhaps Chris Rigg, but more likely Jobe Bellingham, whose progress this season under Le Bris has been staggering.

“But the fact that Dan Neil, Trai Hume, Dennis Cirkin and Anthony Patterson will almost certainly remain is huge. Yes, somewhat ironically the hero Tommy Watson is heading to Brighton this summer – but what better way to bid farewell.”

• READ MORE: Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus plots new takeover in 2025 as two big new hires confirmed

What does the summer hold for Sunderland now?

The core of this brilliant young Sunderland squad will now stick together for the 2025/26 campaign, and look to show what they can do in the Premier League.

We are led to believe Jobe Bellingham will leave regardless, but we’ll have to see what happens when the dust settles on these celebrations.

Meanwhile, Chris Mepham may well decide to stay at Sunderland beyond his loan spell, especially if he becomes a free agent as we expect.

With Enzo Le Fee already confirmed, it will be fascinating to see what transfers Sunderland can pull off this summer. Tommy Watson’s goal bagged Sunderland the £240m play-off prize fund, and they will have to put that to good use if they are to stand a chance in the top flight.