Leeds 0-1 Southampton: Adam Armstrong leads Saints back into Premier League | Football news

Southampton returned to the Premier League at the first time of asking after beating Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley.

Adam Armstrong’s first-half goal proved to be the difference in Sunday’s Sky Bet Championship play-off final.

The last time they were relegated from the top flight in 2005, it took them seven years to come back, but this time they did the job much more effectively under Russell Martin.

Leeds, meanwhile, will have to struggle in the second tier for another season.

How Saints cruised to victory at Wembley

It was Southampton who took the lead in the 24th minute at Wembley.

A clever pass from Will Smallbone slipped Armstrong into the box and he fired from close range past Illan Meslier – his fourth hat-trick against Leeds this season.

Daniel Farke rang the changes throughout the second half to try and drag his side back into it and one of his substitutes, Dan James, came so close to equalizing in the 84th minute when he hit a shot under the bar transverse before it. jumped clear.

But there would be no draw as Saints returned to the Premier League and Leeds were condemned to a sixth defeat in six play-off attempts.

Martin: I feel like I’ve validated the brave decision to nominate myself

Southampton head Russell Martin said Sky Sports:

“I feel touched and overwhelmed by the love and support I’ve had over the last nine or 10 months, especially during the tougher times.

“The support from the board, I had to validate their decision and justify giving them a chance.

“I’m so pleased for them, because it wasn’t an interesting meeting. I would finish 10th with Swansea, I had a very clear way of doing things at MK Dons, so it was very brave of him to take me on.

“The team was so brave and I am grateful and proud of them.

“I’ve enjoyed some of it. I’ve enjoyed watching the players grow and I absolutely love that group of players. What we’ve asked them to do is not easy.”

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McCarthy: Martin has completely changed the club

Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy on Sky Sports:

“It’s been a tough season, with a lot of ups and downs, but we’re back where we want to be. It’s crazy in football, things turn around very quickly.

“It’s one of those where you don’t have time to think about it, so when I came into the team I wanted to show what I can do.

“We knew it would be a tough game but we thought we had the edge after beating Leeds twice this season. Crossing the line at the end was incredible.

“Since Russ came in, he’s completely changed the place. It was so flat after last season, the dressing room was all over the place, but he’s built something special.”

The final in numbers

Southampton bounced back from a difficult campaign

Sky Sports EFL Editor Simeon Gholam:

“It took Southampton seven years to come back from relegation to the Premier League last time out, even reaching League One at one point, so to get there at the first question will be a huge relief to the Saints faithful.

“Russell Martin has had his share of criticism this season, but it’s often overlooked that Southampton were relegated quite dismally last year, so to turn around the club’s mindset of picking up 87 points – which would have been more than enough for automatic promotion to another period. campaign – it’s a job well done.

“Now they can spend a summer trying to add to what they have, rather than experience another sale of their best talent. Martin’s philosophy is in place and it will be fascinating to see what they can do in the top flight next season.”

Farke: We have to use disappointment as motivation

Leeds boss Daniel Farke told Sky Sports:

“It’s football. In a final, only one team can win, so he managed to be effective today and defended very well throughout the game.

“We had more possession, more shots, more expected goals, but they defended us very well. We have to congratulate them and wish them all the best in the Premier League next season.

“We started the game on the front foot and had a lot of good chances in the final third, but we weren’t always accurate with our passes.

“At this level, when you stop once you’re punished. Armstrong was very effective. We tried everything in the second half, with James’ shot hitting the crossbar. Sometimes it’s not meant to be.

“It was a tough day for us and a day of suffering, but that’s football. You have to deal with it, rest and use the disappointment as motivation for next season.”

What’s next?

Southampton will return to play in the Premier League for the 2024/25 season, while Leeds will remain in the Sky Bet Championship for another year.