Southampton beat Leeds to secure Premier League return

Southampton returned to the Premier League after beating Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Adam Armstrong’s first-half goal proved to be the difference in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final at Wembley.

The last time Southampton were relegated from the top flight in 2005, it took the club seven years to return, but this time they got the job done far more efficiently under Russell Martin.

Leeds, meanwhile, will have to battle it out in the second tier for another season.

It was Southampton who took the lead on 24 minutes at Wembley.

A smart pass from Will Smallbone slid Armstrong into the box, and he drilled a low shot past Illan Meslier – his fourth goal in three against Leeds this season.

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Daniel Farke rang the changes throughout the second half to try and drag his side back into it, and one of his substitutes, Dan James, came so close to the equaliser on 84 minutes as he crashed a shot onto the underside of the crossbar before it bounced clear.

There was no equaliser as Saints marched back to the Premier League, and Leeds were condemned to a sixth defeat in six play-off attempts.

Speaking after the game, Martin said: “I feel emotional and overwhelmed by the love and support I’ve had over the past nine or 10 months, especially in the tougher times.

“The support from the board, I had to validate their decision and justify being handed the chance.

“I’m so pleased for them because it wasn’t an exciting appointment. I’d finish 10th with Swansea, had a very clear way of doing things at MK Dons so for them to take me on was really brave.

“The team have been so brave and I’m grateful and proud of them.

“I did enjoy some of it. I enjoyed watching the players grow and I absolutely love that group of players. What we’ve asked them to do is not easy.”

Leeds manager Daniel Farke said: “It’s football. In a final, only one team can win so they were able to be effective today and defended really well during the whole game.

“We had more possession, more shots, more expected goals but they defended us really well. We have to congratulate them and wish them all the best in the Premier League next season.”

The Star