Southampton Earns Premier League Promotion After Defeating Leeds United
After finishing rock bottom of the Premier League last season, Southampton returned to the top flight for the first time of asking. Southampton defeated Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley Stadium thanks to a first-half strike from Adam Armstrong. It was Armstrong’s 24th goal in the English League Championship and proved to be the game-winner. The Saints finished in fourth place in the Championship with 87 points, three behind Leeds but were able to get the upper hand and secure promotion.
The Championship Playoff Final was not a pretty game, neither team dominated or created many chances. Leeds had more of the ball with 58 percent possession and had 12 shots, but were only able to place two on target. Despite having 42 percent of the ball, Southampton attempted seven shots and placed three on target, one of them being Armstrong’s winner in the 24th minute. Leeds pushed for the equalizer late in the game and came very close, as second-half substitute Daniel James hit a half-volley off the crossbar and then forced Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy into a low diving save. Southampton defended and earned the clean sheet, securing promotion after one season of absence from the top flight.
Leeds were also relegated from the Premier League last season and returned many key players, such as Crysencio Summerville, Patrick Bamford, and Illan Meslier. Manager Daniel Farke had experience with Norwich City, earning them promotion to the Premier League in 2019 but would finish 20th in the 2019/2020 season and go right back down. Leeds surely has the talent to secure promotion next season. With strong teams like Leicester City and Southampton not competing for promotion, it will surely help their case.
Now that Southampton is back in the Premier League, do they have the talent to stay up next season? Keeping Armstrong will be crucial and attacking midfielder Che Adams is a great offensive spark off the bench. The defense will need some work, with Kyle Walker-Peters serving as an attacking right-back. The team also needs depth in the midfield and arguably has many players who do not have the talent to compete in the Premier League. Head coach Russell Martin is yet to coach in the Premier League, meaning that the Saints will surely have their work cut out for them next season.
