Despite a furious start to the game, Southampton managed to survive a potentially challenging away leg in the semi-final match against West Brom, drawing 0-0 at The Hawthorns.
Despite a boisterous home crowd cheering for West Brom, Russell Martin’s team matured throughout the match and appeared at ease.
Southampton used their own home crowd to their advantage in the second leg, winning 3-1 to set up a Wembley final against Leeds United on Sunday.
Martin has really earned his stripes as a manager this last few weeks and one thing in particular he has done may just give Southampton the edge in the one-off game for Premier League promotion.
Martin has faced criticism for what is considered to be a lack of a backup plan during his brief managing stint.
Being a very moral coach, the 38-year-old won’t stray from his conviction that possession-focused football offers his teams the best chance of winning.
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