The 2020-21 campaign delivered a historic moment of triumph for Sunderland, finally breaking their 48-year Wembley curse by beating Tranmere Rovers 1-0 to win the EFL Trophy with a crucial second-half goal from Lynden Gooch. This definitive silverware came amidst a League One season of soaring ambition, powered by Charlie Wyke's sensational 31 goals across all competitions, but ultimately ended in heartbreak with a play-off semi-final loss to Lincoln City. It was a pivotal year that ended a long wait for a trophy and marked a new, hopeful era for the Black Cats.