Southampton Secure Place in EFL Championship Play-Off Final against Leeds
In an exciting EFL Championship play-off semi-final second leg, Southampton defeated West Brom 3-1 at St Mary’s Stadium to secure their spot in the final at Wembley.
Following a goalless draw in the first leg, the Saints prevailed in the second encounter, with Will Smallbone and a brace from Adam Armstrong doing the damage in the second half. Cedric Kipre grabbed a late consolation goal for the Baggies, but it was not enough to prevent Southampton’s progression.
Southampton manager Russell Martin was delighted with his team’s performance, praising the “amazing” players and the “incredible” football they displayed in the second half. He singled out Will Smallbone for special praise, describing the young midfielder’s growth this season as “one of the biggest privileges” of his managerial career.
West Brom boss Carlos Corberan, on the other hand, acknowledged that his team did not perform to the required levels and that they now need to “feel the pain” of the defeat before looking ahead to the next season.
The final at Wembley on Sunday, May 26 will be a highly anticipated affair, as Southampton will face Leeds United, who secured their place after overcoming Norwich City in the other semi-final. Sky Sports Football will provide live coverage of the match, with the winner securing promotion to the Premier League for the 2023/24 campaign.
Sky Sports’ EFL Editor Simeon Gholam believes the final is the “right” one, with the two teams that accumulated enough points over the course of the season to challenge for automatic promotion. He suggests that Southampton may have the edge based on their two wins over Leeds this season, but also notes that anything can happen on the day at the national stadium.
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