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Adam Armstrong scored the winner as Southampton beat Leeds United 1-0 in the play-off final at Wembley. The match was the third meeting between the teams this season and the Saints have won all three, with Armstrong finding the net in all their meetings. The result means Southampton return to the Premier League at the first time of asking following their relegation last season.
Adam Armstrong’s first-half goal was enough to secure Premier League football at the expense of Leeds in the Championship Play-off Final at Wembley.The teams were split by just three points after 46 games and there was little to separate the sides during the match, with the Saints holding on for a third victory over Leeds in this campaign.Although enjoying more possession, Leeds just did not threaten enough in the final third until the late introduction of Daniel James, who saw an effort crash back off the crossbar.Southampton always appeared more dangerous going forward and when Will Smallbone slipped through Armstrong after 24 minutes he made no mistake – and only a good stop from Illan Meslier stopped him adding a second from an almost carbon-copy chance later in the half.The Saints were forced to defend for most of the second half but such was the quality of their defending they kept Leeds to precious few chances and deservedly take their place in the English top-flight.Leeds did not help themselves, looking strangely insipid in the final third, but credit must be given to the Saints defence who appeared near impregnable. On paper Ryan Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens are easily Premier League quality and so it showed as repeated Leeds’ balls into the penalty area were sent away.Yet they had the 14th best defence in the league this year conceding five goals to Sunderland and three each to Huddersfield and Birmingham. When it mattered they kept out West Brom until the 7th minute of injury time in the second leg and Leeds for the cumulative 100+ minutes of action this afternoon.And the one time they were outdone, by Daniel James’ brilliance, that little bit of luck with the ball magnetically drawn to the crossbar. -
SO SAD: All my efforts in this “club” You always do this to me, I won’t play anymore, I’m done, said “Adam armstrog” as he left in the…
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