Championship playoff final results: Leeds United suffer a 1-0 defeat to Southampton.
Towards the end of the regular season, the squad of Southampton took a trip to the Isle of Wight. The majority owner, Dragan Solak, made a promise that an epic celebration would be in store if they managed to secure their promotion. Adam Armstrong’s winning goal, which led to Southampton’s return to the Premier League at the first attempt, likely sent them to celebrate at a far more festive and luxurious location. A long-drawn and fraught Championship playoff final culminated in a more than 102-minute game. Leeds saw yet another playoff final end in heartbreak—their fourth; Russell Martin relished at the rewarding closure of a successful season whilst for Daniel Farke, once his teammate at Norwich, it evoked contrasting emotions.
A goal that encapsulated the essence of Southampton’s playing strategy, it endorsed Martin’s systematic blueprint for their game. Martin, a strong proponent of this formula, remained unfazed by skeptics. The goal sequence took Glen Kamara and Georginio Rutter off the pitch. It was an effective four-pass strategy that obliterated Leeds’ formation. Moments before Taylor Harwood-Bellis secured possession within his half, Martin urged for patience from his squad, advising them to carefully pick their moment for attack.
The subsequent pivotal pass was orchestrated by Flynn Downes who connected with Irish player Will Smallbone. Smallbone, a Saints player since the age of eight, was no stranger to the home crowd. Ethan Ampadu, the captain of Leeds, was unfortunately caught off guard when Smallbone fed a pass to Armstrong. Armstrong, always inclined to play up front, took advantage of the left open defence of the opposition, scoring his 24th goal of the season with exquisite flair.
The inaugural attempt at goal during the match came from Leeds’ Archie Gray. Four minutes into the game, Gray sent a low strike veering from Alex McCarthy’s post after a bold diagonal run from the right back. Wilfried Gnonto, pulled out halfway through the second half, made a weak attempt with a shot that barely reached the Southampton line.
The game between Gray and Ryan Fraser was a challenging yet sportsmanlike duel, giving rise to an intriguing match, which was well officiated by referee John Brooks. All eyes had been on Crysencio Summerville, but he didn’t get much attention once the game started. The Leeds became noticeably vexed as minor interruptions persistently alimented their irritation throughout the game.
The sight of the season’s standout player, Summerville, along with Gnonto on the away bench was rather a surprise, due to a significant decline in performance during a disappointing afternoon. It was almost a veiled praise given the high-stakes match.
As the first half was coming to an end, Southampton were on the brink of doubling their advantage. Samuel Edozie, who had stepped in for the injured David Brooks, was fouled by Junior Firpo. Smallbone then showed impressive composure as he prepared for a free kick from 30 yards. Following the agreed strategy, he singled out an unguarded Armstrong who cunningly drifted from his marker, Kamara, towards the pack of jerseys in the box.
After receiving the ball, Armstrong effortlessly controlled it, twisted, and struck towards goal, threading it through Joel Piroe’s legs. Goalkeeper Illan Meslier had to intervene, batting away his attempt with his right hand. Joe Rodon cleared the ball further away, which removed the opportunity for Harwood-Bellis to capitalise on the rebound. Rodon went on to block another of Armstrong’s attempts.
Martin had good reason to sign Downes from West Ham on loan last summer. It was a familiar move after having signed him for his former club, Swansea City. Downes was the life of the game, alternatively supporting his team’s defence and invigorating Southampton’s attacks. Harwood-Bellis was also commendable in the defence line, pairing well with Jan Bednarek, another loanee.
Southampton granted Leeds scarce chances. In the 84th minute, however, substitute Daniel James hit the crossbar. Southampton withstood heavy pressure from Leeds in the final nine minutes of added time, including a swerving shot by James that forced McCarthy to make an excellent save, but Leeds couldn’t derail them. – Guardian