Former Wanderer Armstrong sends Southampton to Premier League

Former Wanderer Adam Armstrong scored the goal that sent Southampton to the Premier League following a 1-0 win against Leeds at Wembley.

Armstrong struck midway through the first half as the Saints returned to the top flight at the first time of asking under Russell Martin.

The 27-year-old kept his cool to slot past Illan Meslier after he was played through on goal by Will Smallbone.

Dan James was denied by the crossbar in the final stages as Southampton survived a nervy ending, with almost 12 minutes of stoppage time.

After the final whistle, Armstrong told Sky Sports: “I don’t know what to say. Look at this.

“This is what I’ve been working on all year. We knew how good the Championship has been this year. What a way to win, what a way to go up.”

Looking back at his winning goal, he added: “I saw the space in behind, Will winning the ball back. I knew if I kept it low and hard across goal it was going to go in, so it was a nice one.

“It means everything, The gaffer and his staff came in pre-season, put the mortar down of what they wanted and look at this.

“This is why we’re footballers, we want to be involved in the biggest games. What a way to win.”

Armstrong finished the season as the Saints’ top scorer, finding the net 24 times in 52 matches in all competitions.

The attacker had a spell on loan at Wanderers in 2017/18, scoring three goals during the first half of the campaign before he was recalled by Newcastle and sent to North West neighbours Blackburn.

He made the move to Ewood Park permanent the following summer and had a successful three-year spell in East Lancashire before he was snapped up by Southampton in 2021.