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Southampton returned to the Premier League at the first time of asking after beating Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley.
Adam Armstrong’s first-half goal proved to be the difference in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final on Sunday.
Last time they were relegated from the top flight in 2005 it took seven years to return, but this time they got the job done far more efficiently under Russell Martin.
Leeds, meanwhile, will have to battle it out in the second tier for another season.
How Saints marched to victory at Wembley
It was Southampton who took the lead on 24 minutes at Wembley.
A smart pass from Will Smallbone slid Armstrong into the box, and he drilled a low shot past Illan Meslier – his fourth goal in three against Leeds this season.
Daniel Farke rang the changes throughout the second half to try and drag his side back into it, and one of his substitutes, Dan James, came so close to the equaliser on 84 minutes as he crashed a shot onto the underside of the crossbar before it bounced clear.
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Daniel James hits the crossbar late on for Leeds as they search for an equaliser!
But there would be no equaliser as Saints marched back to the Premier League, and Leeds were condemned to a sixth defeat in six play-off attempts.
The final in numbers
Southampton bounce back after challenging campaign
Sky Sports’ EFL Editor Simeon Gholam:
“It took seven years for Southampton to bounce back from Premier League relegation last time, even dipping into League One at one point, so to get there at the first time of asking will be of huge relief to the Saints faithful.
“Russell Martin has had his critics this season, but it often gets forgotten that Southampton were relegated pretty dismally last year, so to turn around the mentality of the club to collect 87 points – which would have been more than enough for automatic promotion in another campaign – is a job well done.
“Now they can spend a summer trying to add to what they have, rather than experience another firesale of their best talent. Martin’s philosophy is in place, and it will be fascinating to see what they can do in the top flight next season.”
What’s next?
Southampton will return to play in the Premier League for the 2024/25 season, while Leeds will remain in the Sky Bet Championship for another year.
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