Adam Armstrong endured a moment to forget as eagle-eyed fans spotted him ripping his shirt off to celebrate promotion prematurely.
Armstrong made the difference in the Championship play-off final between Southampton and Leeds United with the striker scoring the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory.
It will see the Saints return to the Premier League at the first time of asking with Leeds having to endure another year in the second tier, despite managing 90 points in the league.
For some players, the Championship play-off final can be the highlight of their career so Armstrong might be forgiven for going a little early with his celebrations.
More than 11 minutes into injury-time at Wembley, referee John Brooks blew for a foul but Armstrong misconstrued what he meant and thought it was the full-time whistle.
He immediately ripped his shirt off and started running towards the fans before realising the game was still being played.
Armstrong swiftly put his shirt back on for fear of a booking from the referee.
While the 27-year-old might have avoided the referee’s glare, he did not escape some eagle-eyed fans.
A clip of Armstrong celebrating wildly was posted on social media by a Southampton fan, which has since gone viral.
While the former Blackburn star had to stunt his celebrations, he did not have to wait much longer before the real thing.
After the free-kick was taken, then Brooks blew for full-time and Armstrong yanked his shirt off again – this time running towards the Southampton end of fans at Wembley.
There were joyous scenes as the Saints reclaimed their Premier League status with Russell Martin at the helm.
Armstrong’s goal was the difference on Sunday afternoon in a match where Leeds enjoyed more possession but could not truly test Alex McCarthy in the Saints net.
Former Manchester United star Dan James had the best chance for the Whites when his late volley cannoned off the crossbar in spectacular fashion.
But it was not enough for Daniel Farke’s side, with fans teeming out of Wembley before full-time in shock that their side will not be playing in the Premier League next season despite managing 90 points.
Just two years ago, Fulham won the league with the same amount of points.
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Nevertheless, Farke must pick up his young side, full of budding stars like Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter.
Southampton, meanwhile, have already signed one player after confirming their status as a Premier League side in 2024/25.
News Summary:
- Eagle-eyed fans spot Adam Armstrong’s injury time blunder during Southampton’s promotion triumph
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