Southampton will play Leeds United in the Championship play-off final after beating West Bromwich Albion 3-1 in the second leg of their semi-final clash.
After holding Albion to a goalless draw at The Hawthorns on Sunday, Russell Martin’s Saints took full advantage of playing in front of a buoyant home crowd on the south coast.
A wonderful 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 drilled finish into the far corner.
Armstrong then stepped up to dispatch Southampton’s third from the penalty spot – awarded after Ryan Manning was felled in the area by a combination of Tom Fellows and Darnell Furlong.
A late consolation from Cedric Kipre did little to dampen the mood as Southampton booked a date with Leeds, who romped past Norwich City, who subsequently sacked manager David Wagner, on Thursday night.
Daniel Farke’s side had also ground out a 0-0 draw in the away leg at Carrow Road, but their quality shone through in a blistering home performance that saw Leeds 3-0 up by half-time.
“We should have scored more goals, if I’m really honest,” Farke told BBC Radio Leeds. “Norwich tried everything to change the running of the game. Many compliments to my young side. I was a bit concerned because the pressure was a bit on us after the first game.
“I don’t know what the average age of our team was tonight but the lads delivered in a perfect way for such a young side.
“This place is second to none when it really gets rocking. The atmosphere is unbelievable.”
Ilia Gruev, Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter were the players on target in that first 45 minutes, with Crysencio Summerville adding the cherry on top of the cake 20 minutes from time.
The winner of the play-off final will join Leicester City and Ipswich Town in the top flight, replacing Sheffield United, Burnley and, in all likelihood, Luton Town, barring a remarkable goal difference swing on the final day of the Premier League season.
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