Southampton secured a vital 2-1 victory over Coventry City tonight as Russell Martin’s men bounced back from Saturday’s goalless draw against Blackburn Rovers.
Southampton thought their hopes of securing automatic promotion were over after Saturday’s result, but the Championship showed why it’s one of the best league’s in the world.
Leeds United were held to a goalless draw at home to Sunderland and Leicester City slipped to a 1-0 defeat against strugglers Millwall.
It means that if the Saints win their two games in hand they will go three points behind the top two, as it stands, with Leicester and Leeds still to play.
All of a sudden Russell Martin‘s men still have hopes of going up automatically thanks to the goals from Kyle Walker-Peters and Che Adams.
The Saints put in a commanding performance against the play-off chasers as Joe Aribo starred in midfield, but he wasn’t the player Jamie Mackie picked out for praise.
Jamie Mackie hails one Southampton star as a ‘real threat’ v Coventry
After putting Jack Stephens back into the centre of defence and moving Walker-Peters to left back, the South Coasters looked much more balanced.
This switch got the best out of their attack with Adam Armstrong, David Brooks and Che Adams making up their devastating forward trio.
Although Adams scored on his return to the side, former striker Jamie Mackie was most impressed with Armstrong’s performance.
Mackie told Sky Sports Gillette Soccer Special: “Adam Armstrong has looked a real threat.”
Cutting in from the left flank with Adams playing centrally, the Championship’s second top scorer with 20 goals looked back to his best against the Sky Blues following an off-colour display at the weekend.
Adam Armstrong offers more than just goals to Southampton
If Southampton win promotion to the Premier League, they’ll have the 27-year-old sharpshooter to thank for his clinical edge in the box.
However, the Englishman has proven that, while his impact in front of goal has been immense, he offers more than just his goalscoring touch.
Armstrong sets the tone off the ball, initiating their press from the front and winning possession high up the pitch.
The forwards link-up play was also exceptional tonight having completed all 23 of his passes and blown away the second tier with his creativity.
Ranking fourth in the Championship with 11 assists, Armstrong’s selfless work for the team and ability to create chances with his willing runs in behind have been just as important as his goals.