After an incredible run for the club, Southampton have secured promotion at Wembley. In a year that has seen a newly constructed squad take on one of the toughest Championship seasons to date, a manager completely rebuild the playbook, a new and controversial style of football being played and a whole lot of young talent stepping up, there couldn’t have been a more fitting end to this hero’s narrative.
Making the trip to London to face Leeds who themselves have had an incredible season was never going to be easy. A huge club with a huge fan base and a huge scope of talent. On top of this, to come and successfully step up to the pressure was always a tall order for the Saints too. But they did, and with style too.
A shaky start didn’t help settle the insurmountable nerves fans were filled with as Leeds attacked relentlessly for the opening 15 minutes, despite creating little threat in the final third. Alex McCarthy commanded his space well and eventually Southampton broke through the white wall Infront of them, playing out cleverly from the back in the way Russell Martin’s game plan revolves around. Vital blocks and interceptions were made across the pitch, with particular ferocity shown from “Wee Man” Ryan Fraser and midfield duo Flynn Downes and William Smallbone. These three shone in this sticky start, throughout the game and through the season as a whole.
The saints had a few missed opportunities in the following moments of the game, but in the 24th minute Adam Armstrong struck gold. A beautifully curated goal scored by the most fitting of players. After a long few seasons for him, to see this redemption arc the striker has written for himself has been something special for fans of the club. They say you die a hero or live long enough to become a villain, but perhaps the opposite can be true too.
Coming into this season with Adam Armstrong and Che Adams as the forward pairing, many fans were left concerned and angry at the club for not bringing in a new goal scorer, with both of these players failing to prove their ability or retain consistency in previous seasons. The duo have however proven exactly why the club remained faithful to them, with 36 goals and 17 assists between them in this campaign.
Following the goal, the Saints were forced into an early substitution with loanee David Brooks taking a heavy blow to the shoulder. Youngster Sam Edozie was called upon to step up, and step up he did. Putting in a huge shift, we saw one of the best performances from him to date. He oozed confidence on the ball and held his space with grit and strength, despite persistent fouling the ref failed to call up.
Going into half time, the Saints were ahead but it was all still to play for, Leeds having the momentum but Southampton looking far more committed to the cause leaving bodies on the line.
The Leeds that came out for the second 45 posed a much different threat, generating much more opportunity for themselves. Southampton coped exceptionally and while unable to win many spells of possession back, they defended magnificently, doing the one thing they’ve struggled with most this season.
The way Russell Martin has rebuilt this squad requires so much more than basic praise. Not only has the football changed and improved drastically, but the alteration in mentality and togetherness has been magical. A team who last season looked uninterested and acceptant of their fate now play with more passion and investment than I’ve ever seen from a Southampton side. His management not only of what happens on the pitch but of his players has been exceptional.
His appointment in the summer raised many eyebrows, and his play style has divided fans throughout his time at the club, but what he has done for Southampton FC is what so few have done before. He has restored the love of the game in each and every one of us, brought the squad together and the community together, and set us up for a better future.
The final 25 minutes of the second half were far more nervy than the boss would have liked, his frustration visible in the technical area, however the Saints dug deep and held on. With multiple free kick opportunities and hitting the crossbar, Leeds really were asking questions, but it was too little too late.
After 103+ minutes of football, Southampton were promoted.
Wembley erupted, the stands were bouncing and as Leeds fans promptly drained away from the scenes, the stadium was left a carpet of red.
Whilst this season has been one of incredible highs, there have been huge lows too. The last 5 years have been utterly draining for anyone who has followed the club, but in this moment it was all forgotten. Southampton Football Club – Premier League once again.
As we move into the summer and look towards the next campaign, there remains many questions and many doubts too, but for now, we have an opportunity to celebrate. This is is our time.
We March On.
Poppy Deabill