Southampton return to the Premier League after emerging as 1-0 victors against Leeds United in the Championship Play-off Final.
Wembley Stadium erupted when the full-time whistle sounded as supporters released the built-up tension, nerves and fear that would have been developing throughout the entire week.
Southampton return to the Premier League
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Watch: Incredible scenes as Southampton fans celebrate promotion
Southampton are Premier League.#SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/oHhtR5LMXy
— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) May 26, 2024
With both sides scoring plenty of goals on their way to the final, this was a game in which many of us expected a possible goal-fest. However, finals very rarely play out in that way, with the combination of nerves and fear creating a cagey affair more often than not.
That was the case in this fixture too, with Adam Armstrong's first-half strike enough to secure a 1-0 victory for the Saints and send them marching onward towards the Premier League.
Watching your side defend a one-goal margin in a game of this magnitude is quite possibly the worst situation for a supporter to be in, and you could hear the joy and relief leaving the fans in equal amounts in their celebrations at the full-time whistle.
Leeds United fans glad to see the back of Adam Armstrong
While the Leeds United supporters will be gutted to have seen their side come so close to securing promotion to the Premier League, they will be delighted to have seen the back of Southampton forward Adam Armstrong.
The two sides have battled it out a total of three times this season, the Saints have now won on all three occasions with Armstrong finding the net in each game.
He has been a thorn in Daniel Farke's side all campaign, and it was somewhat fitting that the 27-year-old should be the man to crush the dreams of every Leeds United fan in the Championship Play-off Final.
Southampton return to the Premier League a concern
It is certainly and deservedly a day of celebration for everyone connected to Southampton today. But, their immediate return to the Premier League is a glaring reminder of the growing gap between the Championship and England's top-flight.
On the back of a season which saw all three promoted sides suffer relegation from the Premier League, two of the three promoted teams from the Championship this campaign are Leicester City and Southampton – both of whom are making immediate returns to the top flight.
Even Leeds United, despite losing the final, were bidding for an immediate return and it highlights the far greater financial strength teams that have been in the Premier League possess upon their relegation to the Championship over their rivals.
It is a worrying trend that must be addressed as quickly as possible.