Southampton have secured their spot in the Championship play-off final - with Russell Martin now out to outwit mentor Daniel Farke yet again.
The Saints eased past semi-final opponents West Bromwich Albion in style on Friday evening. After being held to a 0-0 draw in the first-leg at the Hawthorns, Martin’s men steamrolled their opponents.
Martin will now take on his former Norwich boss Farke under the Wembley arch in a meeting that only happened in the latter’s wildest dreams. Speaking after his side’s win against West Brom, he said: “I didn’t envisage it happening five or six years ago when we worked together.
“But I have a lot of respect for him. He’s had a great record in this division so it will be tough game. It’s not about me or him. It’s about the two teams who set foot on the pitch and we look forward to it.”
It hasn’t been a straightforward road to Wembley for either Southampton or Leeds - nor Martin and Farke for that matter. Both were appointed last summer with promotion the only remit.
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There have been bright moments, the Saints’ 25-game unbeaten run among the highlights. Meanwhile, Leeds have arguably produced some of the most thrilling football in the Championship this term, winning 10 league games in succession up to early March.
There has been criticism however. Both managers have faced pushback for their styles and inconsistency - an element that ultimately saw both sides miss out on automatic promotion.
Russell Martin has guided Southampton to a spot at Wembley (Getty Images)Who will win at Wembley, Southampton or Leeds? Share your predictions in the comments below
In typically ironic fashion, both Leeds and Southampton booked their places at Wembley in similar ways. After a 0-0 draw against Norwich, Leeds blew the Canaries away with a stunning 4-0 win at a boisterous Elland Road on Thursday.
Southampton then followed up with a scintillating display of their own against the Baggies. Local lad Will Smallbone opened the scoring with a well-taken strike that curled into Alex Palmer’s near post.
Top scorer Adam Armstrong then claimed centre-stage. A clinical drive into the far corner from the forward made things comfortable for the Saints, while he then his evening’s work from the penalty spot.
Will Smallbone set Southampton on their way vs West Brom (Getty Images)Cedric Kipre’s late consolation did little to take the gloss off of Southampton’s celebrations. Armstrong has already issued a warning to Leeds after getting the better of the Yorkshire side twice this season - including on the final day.
Speaking after the victory over West Brom, Armstrong said: “Leeds are a top opposition, we know what we’re going to come up against. The last game of the season was a bit hit and miss but we went there and did our job.”
The South Coast club are now just one win away from an instant Premier League return, something that is not lost on the striker. He added: “No beating around the bush, it’s one game away. A massive game, I’m sure it’s going to be an unbelievable atmosphere. Let’s hope we can do it.”
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