Southampton have won the EFL Championship Playoffs, defeating Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley Stadium to win promotion back to the Premier League. They will join Leicester City and Ipswich Town as the three teams to be promoted from the second division in 24/25.
A solitary goal from Adam Armstrong was enough to help the Saints win the richest game in football and secure their return to the top flight.
Southampton win Championship playoffs 2024 to return to Premier League
The moment Southampton were promoted to the Premier League! Crazy atmosphere at Wembley. 🏟️🔥
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) May 26, 2024
pic.twitter.com/cxRGzlaBtB
Under Russel Martin, the team has been completely transformed, as they now play a possession-based style which has become so common among clubs in the top flight. The Saints initially struggled, but embarked on a 25-game unbeaten run – their best record in history, to finish the season.
Their relegation in 2023 created a significant amount of problems, with top players like James Ward-Prowse, Romeo Lavia, Tino Livramento and Armel Bella-Kotchap leaving the club after their relegation.
Russel Martin, who had only finished 10th with Swansea City in the Championship before, wasn’t the most exciting appointment. But, his style finally clicked for the team and has helped them return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
