Southampton gain promotion to Premier League after Championship playoff victory over Leeds
Southampton won promotion back to the Premier League by defeating Leeds United 1-0 in the Championship playoff final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, ensuring an immediate return to England's top tier in a game regarded as the richest in world football.
Adam Armstrong was the match-winner, as his first-half goal was enough to defeat a Leeds side that struggled to respond meaningfully, with substitute Daniel James coming closest when his shot hit the crossbar late in the second half.
Southampton will join Championship winners Leicester City and runners-up Ipswich Town in the Premier League next season, with the latter returning to the top flight after a 22-year absence, while the Foxes, like the Saints, were promoted on their first attempt.
Southampton scored the winning goal after 24 minutes when Armstrong latched onto a through ball from Will Smallbone and slid it past keeper Illan Meslier for his 24th of the season.
"What a way to go up," Armstrong told Sky Sports. "I saw the space in behind and I knew if I put it across goal it was going to go in, so it was a nice one. It means everything."
According to Deloitte's Sports Business Group analysis, promotion will result in a windfall of at least 140 million pounds for the Saints.
This figure could rise to more than 305 million pounds if Martin's side avoids relegation in their first season back in the Premier League, according to Deloitte.
"I feel really emotional. I feel overwhelmed by the love and support I've had," Saints boss Russell Martin told Sky Sports.
Martin, who played for Norwich City under Leeds manager Daniel Farke, only took over at the start of the season after the Saints were relegated from the Premier League.
He will now manage in the Premier League for the first time, following spells at Swansea City and MK Dons.
The rewards on offer resulted in a cagey game with few clear chances, and Southampton would have been relieved to see Leeds substitute Italy winger Wilfried Gnonto and Championship Player of the Year Crysencio Summerville in the second half.
Nine minutes of stoppage time gave Farke's trailing Yorkshire side hope, and they huffed and puffed but couldn't break down the excellent Saints defence.
"We're suffering a lot," Farke told the post-match press conference. "Congratulations to Southampton. They defended really, really well. Today they were effective."
Saints, who finished fourth in the Championship, one place behind Leeds, defeated West Bromwich Albion 3-1 on aggregate in their playoff semi-final after drawing the first leg 0-0.
They finished nine points behind the automatic promotion places in a season that included a 22-game league unbeaten streak following four consecutive defeats in September.
It was the Saints' third victory over Leeds this season, having beaten them twice in the league during the regular season, including a 2-1 away win on the last day.
SportsLigue