The moments you missed as Chelsea’s visit sealed Sunderland’s European return | OneFootball

Sunderland’s final-day return to the Stadium of Light carried a live shot at Europe, and by full-time Wearside celebrated a first continental campaign since 1973.

As reported by Sunderland Echo, these were the key moments before, during and after a day that felt full circle.

The Black Cats began 10th on 51 points, one behind Chelsea and Brentford and two off Brighton, so a win with help elsewhere could still open the door.

The noise was electric and the pre-match display echoed the Sheffield Wednesday play-off semi-final, cat eyes lighting the stands. It was Chelsea’s first league visit since 14 December 2016, a 1-0 home defeat.

Trai Hume, selected on the right, answered in style. After Robin Roefs denied Cole Palmer and handball shouts at both ends, Hume put Sunderland ahead from Luke O’Nien’s pass.

At half-time they sat seventh, with Brentford drawing Liverpool and Brighton trailing 2-1 to Manchester United.

Soon after the restart Brian Brobbey was denied by Robert Sanchez, then Noah Sadiki showed frustration when Roefs delayed an early release to the left.

Around the hour, Régis Le Bris introduced Wilson Isidor for Brobbey and Habib Diarra for Nilson Angulo. Wesley Fofana’s second yellow reduced Chelsea to 10, and Diarra later slipped when well placed to make it 3-1.

Ten minutes were added as United led Brighton 3-0 and Liverpool drew 1-1 with Brentford. Gary Rowell’s name rang out and Chris Rigg replaced Enzo Le Fée late on.

Post-match, O’Nien celebrated with Lynden Gooch and Dan Neil, Dan Ballard appeared on crutches, and Granit Xhaka and Le Bris addressed supporters. From League One to the Europa League in four years, these are halcyon days.

Source: Sunderland Echo