The Republic of Ireland international Will Smallbone assisted Adam Armstrong’s winning goal in the playoff final against Leeds, securing Southampton’s return to the Premier League.
Southampton earned promotion back to the Premier League on Sunday by defeating Leeds 1-0 at Wembley Stadium in the Championship playoff final, renowned as the most lucrative match in football. This victory guarantees the club an uplift of £140 million ($180 million) in future earnings from broadcast revenue and prize money, thanks to Armstrong’s 24th-minute goal.
The Saints, bolstered by their Republic of Ireland trio—Will Smallbone, Ryan Manning, and Gavin Bazunu—join Leicester and Ipswich in moving up to the Premier League, the latter two having secured automatic promotion.
For Leeds, the defeat extended their playoff misery, marking the sixth time they have failed to secure promotion through the playoffs. Despite finishing third in the regular season, three points ahead of Southampton, Leeds managed only one win in their last six games, missing out on automatic promotion.
Armstrong’s goal came from a precise through ball by Smallbone, which sliced through the Leeds defense, allowing Armstrong to score his 24th league goal of the season. Southampton then focused on defense, successfully countering Leeds’ attacks. Leeds’ best chance came in the 84th minute when Dan James hit the crossbar.
This victory was Southampton’s third win over Leeds this season, having previously beaten them at home, away, and now at Wembley.
Southampton, the team supported by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and owned by Sport Republic, an investment firm led by Dragan Solak, returned to the Premier League after a notable period from 2012-2023, during which they developed several talented academy players.