Southampton will play Leeds United in the Championship final after beating West Bromwich Albion 3-1 in the second leg of the semi-final.
After holding Albion to a goalless draw at The Hawthorns on Sunday, Russell Martin's Saints made the most of the opportunity to play in front of a packed home crowd on the south coast.
A stunning goal from Will Smallbone gave Southampton a deserved lead four minutes into the second half, before Adam Armstrong doubled the advantage 12 minutes from time with a low ball into the far corner.
Armstrong then stepped up to score Southampton's third from the penalty spot – awarded after Ryan Manning was brought down in the area by a combination of Tom Fellows and Darnell Furlong.
Cedric Kipre's consolation did nothing to ease the situation as Southampton booked a date with Leeds, who beat Norwich City, who subsequently sacked manager David Wagner, on Thursday night.
Daniel Farke's side were also held to a 0-0 draw in the away leg at Carrow Road, but their quality shone through in a thrilling home game that saw Leeds 3-0 up at the break.
“We should have scored more goals, to be honest,” Farke said BBC Radio Leeds. “Norwich tried everything to change the way the game is played. I highly recommend my young team. I was worried because the pressure was a bit on us after the first game.
“I don't know how old our team was tonight but the boys delivered in a way that was befitting of such a young team.
“This place is second to none when it really moves. The atmosphere is unbelievable.”
Ilia Gruev, Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter were on target in those first 45 minutes, with Crysencio Summerville adding the cherry on top of the cake with 20 minutes to go.
The play-off finalist will join Leicester City and Ipswich Town in the top flight, replacing Sheffield United, Burnley and, potentially, Luton Town, barring a dramatic swing of goals on the final day of the Premier League season.
READ THE LATEST NEWS, TRANSFER DETAILS AND RENTAL LAW
Source link
