Jack Clarke's brilliant performance away at Sheffield Wednesday in the League One play-off semi-final was one of the main reasons behind Sunderland advancing to the Wembley showpiece. At times, the Tottenham loanee looked like he was playing football in the schoolyard with his mates and wasn't planning on giving them the ball any time soon.
His fine work down the left-hand side set up Patrick Roberts for an injury-time aggregate winner, which sent the red and white supporters delirious behind the goal. Clarke was one of the bright sparks from the Black Cats' end of season run in, and it was a surprise that he didn't start at Wembley.
Alex Neil's decision to bring in Elliot Embleton certainly paid off with the Academy of Light graduate opening the scoring, with Clarke replacing him just after the hour, with the game evenly poised. His introduction gave Sunderland more impetus going forward and he had a brilliant chance to score himself.
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It wasn't to be, but promotion to the Championship capped a fine loan spell for the youngster, even if it did take him time to get into his rhythm after arriving in January, which is understandable given his lack of consistent game time this season. Sunderland's promotion to the second tier of English football will open doors that were previously closed.
Clarke is entering the final year of his contract with Tottenham, but could be given this summer to force his way into Antonio Conte's plans. The former Leeds United winger impressed former boss Jose Mourinho with his natural fitness, but he's spent the majority of his Spurs career playing for the Under-23s.
Chronicle Live spoke with Alasdair Gold, Tottenham Hotspur correspondent for Football London, to see what might be next for Clarke and whether a return to Wearside is likely.
What was the general consensus prior to his Sunderland loan move?
Alasdair Gold : "That he's an enthusiastic, forward-thinking young player with some of the best fitness levels within the Tottenham squad. Jose Mourinho was really impressed with that aspect of his game when he was at the club.
"The problem is that his opportunities to play have been few and far between for Spurs because of the strength on the squad on the flanks and when those few chances have come at Tottenham he hasn't exactly blown everyone away. Admittedly that's tough to do when you're not getting much rhythm to your game.
"The pattern for the past two seasons has been impressing in the U23s, including playing up front for them this season, and then earning a loan move in the second half of the campaign and he's done well in both of those at Sunderland and Stoke, after two tough loans in his first season at Leeds and QPR."
There's talk of a new contract, do you think this is off the back of performances at Sunderland or was it already planned?
AG: "I think it's a crossroads summer for Clarke with his contract. Either the club extend his deal and send him back out on loan again after giving him a chance in pre-season to impress Conte or they look for someone to take him permanently.
"He did well at Sunderland and his stock will have risen, particularly with that eye-catching crucial semi-final second leg assist. Spurs often insert extra year options into young players' contracts to give them a bit more security so it may well be that Clarke has one of those as well.
"If he does sign a new deal then it's more likely that Spurs are ensuring they get a healthy fee if he impresses again on loan. At just 21, there's still plenty of time for the young winger to salvage his Tottenham career but the sheer volume of players in front of him continue to make that difficult."
What do you think the next step is for Clarke? Is a return to Sunderland next year a possibility?
AG: "I think that move would make the most sense if Sunderland want him back again next season as it gets him back to Championship football and at a club where he's really developed. Ultimately all three parties have to agree and there is likely to be further interest from others in the young winger, but for him, I'd think continuing his journey with the Black Cats would be the perfect move at this point in his career."
