Southampton manager Russell Martin believes his team has significantly altered the landscape of the Championship promotion race by putting pressure on Leeds United with a decisive 3-0 victory over Preston North End.
Leeds’ recent run of three winless league matches contrasts sharply with Southampton’s three consecutive wins, signaling a shift in momentum. As Southampton gains form at a crucial juncture, Leeds finds themselves nervously glancing behind.
Southampton’s win over Preston narrowed the points gap to just three behind Leeds, with an additional game in hand. Martin expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting their resilience despite previous doubts about their capabilities.
Acknowledging the upcoming challenge against Cardiff, Martin emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on each match. Ipswich Town remains at the top of the table, followed by Leicester City. The clash between Leeds and Southampton on the Championship’s final day could potentially determine an automatic promotion spot for either team.
Preston manager Ryan Lowe recognized Southampton’s threat, particularly in the playoffs if automatic promotion eludes them. Reflecting on their defeat, Lowe admitted their first-half performance fell short of the desired strategy, allowing Southampton to capitalize and effectively seal the game.
Lowe cautioned against underestimating Southampton’s potential, whether in securing automatic promotion or as formidable contenders in the playoffs, given their quality demonstrated on the pitch.
