Nigeria and Southampton Midfielder , Joe Aribo was in action for his club as they gain promotion back to English Top Flight on Sunday afternoon.
The Nigerian played 90 minutes as English striker, Adam Armstrong’s first-half goal seals Southampton’s return to the Premier League, defeating Leeds United in a tense Championship play-off final at Wembley. In a match worth an estimated £140 million ($178 million) in revenue, Southampton’s triumph marks a swift return to the top flight after their relegation last season. Financial forecasts suggest a potential windfall of £305 million if they can maintain their Premier League status next season.
For Southampton, the allure of competing against top-tier giants like Manchester City and Arsenal, rather than lower league opposition, fueled their determination to reclaim their Premier League status. Under the guidance of manager, Russell Martin, whose purist passing principles have earned admiration, Southampton showcased their dominance with possession football, boasting the highest possession stats in Europe’s top five leagues this season.
Martin’s journey from managing in League One just three years ago to leading Southampton to promotion underscores the team’s remarkable transformation under his leadership. For Martin, securing promotion against Leeds Coach, Daniel Farke, who terminated his contract at Norwich in 2018, adds a personal touch to the victory.
The defeat is a bitter disappointment for Leeds and Farke, who also suffered relegation alongside Southampton last season. Despite a fast start, Leeds couldn’t overcome Armstrong’s early strike, leaving them without a win at Wembley since 1992. As Southampton celebrates their return to the Premier League, Leeds and Farke are left to ponder what might have been, with Hollywood-inspired good luck messages failing to bring them victory on this occasion.
