The Saints march on to the Premier League after a tactical masterclass saw them overcome favourites Leeds United.
After the Lilywhites finished on 90 points and cruelly missed out on promotion, they were favourites to secure promotion through the play-offs.
Yet Russell Martin’s side put in a performance of attacking endeavour whilst being solid at the back.
After a lively start from Leeds without any clear-cut chances, Adam Armstrong took his first chance on goal.
Will Smallbone did brilliantly by slotting a lovely through ball to Southampton’s number nine, giving him all the time to place his finish in the bottom corner.
Armstrong went close again from a well-crafted free kick as his shot was saved by Illan Meslier.
Despite all the attacking quality Leeds possessed, they rarely tested Alex McCarthy.
The closest Daniel Farke’s team came to equalising was Dan James’ thunderous effort hitting the bar.
Southampton saw out 12 minutes of injury time to deservedly put them back into the Premier League.
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Adam Armstrong delivers on the big stage
There was a lot of expectation that one of Leeds’ glamour forward players was going to make the difference at Wembley.
Yet Armstrong’s superb season has gone under the radar, and it should have been no surprise just how clinical he was when it mattered.
The former Blackburn Rovers man found the Premier League difficult to adapt to by only scoring four goals in two seasons with the Saints.
Armstrong adjusted seamlessly back to the second tier though, with 24 goals and 13 assists in 49 appearances this season.
The 27-year-old will hope he can use this season as momentum in the top flight.
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Leeds stumble in play-offs again
This was a play-off campaign where Leeds wanted to avoid history.
Unfortunately for them, they have now played in four play-off finals without securing promotion.
Leeds simply did not turn up at Wembley and did not look like the same side that blew Norwich away in the play-off semi-final.
For a side that can boast so much attacking talent, none of Leeds' forwards looked threatening.
Despite having a lot of the play, they only mustered two shots on target on the big stage.
Championship player of the season Crysencio Summerville was particularly quiet, the Dutchman was substituted after a disappointing display.
Dan James made an impact off the bench and nearly equalised spectacularly as his half-volley crashed off the crossbar.
It would have flattered Leeds though, as they suffered defeat to the better side.
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Russell Martin adapts principles
Martin has been accused of sticking to his principles over acclimatising to opposition styles.
Southampton’s manager got his tactics spot on by going with a back three to contain Leeds’ attacking players.
It did allow Saints to flood the midfield and gave Smallborn license to roam forward such as for the goal.
Martin’s side usually doesn’t concede so much possession but only having 43% of the ball suited them.
Once Southampton went ahead they could play on the counter attack which the pace of Armstrong and Brooks before the latter went off injured.
There have been sceptics of Martin’s ability to adjust which may cost him in the Premier League.
But based on the performance at Wembley, there should be no worries.
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Are players on the move from Elland Road?
It felt like win or bust for Leeds in a lot of ways.
The most significant loss for the Yorkshire club will be the players likely to leave.
To keep in line with FFP, Leeds have to raise £100 million from player sales.
The likes of Summerville, Archie Gray and Willy Gnotto have been linked to several clubs.
There is a lot of Premier League quality at Elland Road which should not been playing in the second tier.
Therefore it felt like a last-dance situation and Leeds ended up falling short.
A big loss would be not getting Joe Roden back on loan again or on a permanent deal due to his presence at the back throughout the campaign.
There will be questions about Farke’s future, but it will be the potential loss of key players that will worry the fan base.
