Southampton edged past Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon in the Championship Playoff Final to secure promotion to the Premier League.
Adam Armstrong was the hero on the day as his 24th-minute strike was the difference between the two sides, helping the Saints to regain Premier League status at the first time of asking.
Often referred to as the “richest game in football,” winning promotion to the Premier League through the Championship playoffs brings in approximately £140 million to £170 million in additional revenue for the victor.
Saints manager Russel Martin was certainly proud of his players, specially the way they defended off the ball and maintained their shape throughout the 90 minutes, denying Leeds any clear-cut opportunities.
The Saints didn’t create much either, but they were effective in possession throughout the campaign.
Barring Daniel James’ 83rd-minute strike that struck the post, the South Coast club never looked threatened by Leeds, who unusually looked far from their best on the day of reckoning.
Southampton have been promoted to the Premier League.
Saints ecstatic at victory
Following the game, Martin said passionately at a post-match interview, “”I just feel really grateful. I’ve felt that all week really.
I just feel lots of gratitude about what the players have given us, the staff, the supporters. Yes, I feel immense pride in what we’ve achieved, but I feel grateful to the owners who have given me the opportunity in the first place. Jason [Wilcox], who had a good day himself here yesterday and is no longer there. “
He continued, “But I feel like I wasn’t a sexy appointment for Southampton Football Club coming in and they were brave enough to give me the opportunity and hopefully we have repaid them with a day that they’ll remember forever, and it’s given me one of the best days of my career for…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/southampton-beat-leeds-to-secure-premier-league-promotion/
Author : Tamojit Chakraborty
Publish date : 2024-05-26 20:32:04
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