Southampton's Premier League promotion means next season will be unlike any other

Southampton's promotion to the Premier League means next season will be unlike any other.

Southampton beat Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley Stadium as they booked their spot in next season's Premier League campaign.

Adam Armstrong's first-half strike was the only goal of the game as the Saints made a swift return to England's top flight.

The club's Championship play-off win will see Manchester City land a massive £20 million windfall.

Leeds' misery was compounded as Harry Maguire posted on social media immediately after the final whistle in wake of Manchester United beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

Southampton earning promotion over Leeds means there will be just five teams from the north of the country for the 2024/25 Premier League season - the lowest number ever.

Man City, Man United, Liverpool, Everton and Newcastle United are the sole representatives of the north of England, while there will be no Yorkshire-based teams in the Premier League.

The remaining 15 teams are based in London, the Midlands, Suffolk and the South Coast.

Just five teams from the north of England - the lowest number ever. https://t.co/8yjwJGh2Dk

— Joey D'Urso (@josephmdurso) May 26, 2024

Speaking after his side's promotion, Southampton boss Russell Martin said his team will need to 'embrace the challenge' of playing his style of football in the Premier League next season.

"I know possession won’t win you games," he said.

"But it is a vehicle for us to give ourselves the best opportunity to show the best version of ourselves, I really believe that.

"If you win this way, to me it is the best way, not the right or wrong way but it’s the best."

Martin added: "It’s up to us to prove ourselves in the Premier League next season.

"The style is something that myself and my players believe in, I won’t change and I love what I do.

"We’ll need to embrace the challenge without losing who we are."