What Luke O'Nien did when Eliezer Mayenda scored big Sunderland goal v Sheffield United | OneFootball

Sunderland AFC's dramatic Championship Play-Off final victory over Sheffield United provided one of the most emotionally charged moments of the season

Sunderland AFC's dramatic Championship Play-Off final victory over Sheffield United provided one of the most emotionally charged moments of the season.

And Luke O'Nien's reaction to Eliezer Mayenda's leveller was a prime example of the togetherness that has ultimately defined the Black Cat's remarkable journey back to the Premier League.

The defender's celebration - despite suffering a dislocated shoulder just minutes into the game - shows the passion that Sunderland fans are all too familiar with, and they love it.

Sunderland's Luke O'Nien suffered early setback in Championship play-off final

There is no brushing over the fact that the Championship play-off final began disastrously for both O'Nien and Sunderland - with the defender suffering a serious injury within the opening minutes.

O'Nien was forced off the field after just three minutes, which was later confirmed to be a dislocated shoulder - sustained by trying to not let Kieffer Moore score a header.

During the game, Sky Sports did mention his condition to keep everyone aware - saying how his wife was with him and medical staff managed to "put his shoulder back in".

The timing of the injury could not have been worse for Sunderland - as they were already facing an uphill battle - Sheffield United did dominate the early proceedings.

As one of the biggest leaders in the Sunderland dressing room - O'Nien remained with the team after his injury, his presence on the subs bench would prove quite helpful as Sunderland fought back from the Blades early one-way traffic.

Eliezer Mayenda's equaliser sparks remarkable Luke O'Nien celebration

When Eliezer Mayenda struck his equalising goal in the 76th minute - the moment became as much about O'Nien's reaction as it was about the goal itself.

O'Nien was among the first to celebrate with the Spaniard after charging down the touchline with his arm in a sling, and the striker reciprocated his embrace back by showing heartwarming compassion - Mayenda gave him a little hug, being careful to not hurt his shoulder anymore.

With O'Nien also telling his team-mates to switch on once more and to either keep defending strong or go for the win, it seems like they heeded his advice, with Watson going on to strike in stoppage time.

The centre-backs post-match reaction and celebration sums up the connection he has with the club and fans. Even though he hardly managed any minutes - he mentioned in an interview that he wouldn't swap it for anything.

As the Black Cats can now relax before preparing for their long-awaited return to the Premier League - moments like these remind the fans why players like O'Nien are vital to help the character of the squad and bring supporters together.

And whilst there's a possibility that due to the gulf in quality between the Championship and Premier League that someone like O'Nien may not receive much game-time next season, there's an important role for him in the dressing room regardless next season - he's clearly someone who gets the club from top to bottom.