Russell Martin sends Southampton promotion message to Leeds United and Ipswich after unbeaten record
Southampton smashed a 103-year-old club record on Saturday, extending their undefeated run to 21 games with a 3-1 victory at Martin’s former club Swansea.
Southampton manager Russell Martin is happy of his team’s recent unbeaten streak, but he says that their primary goal is to return to the Premier League. The Saints achieved a 103-year-old club record by going 21 games without losing, thanks to a 3-1 victory over Swansea.
The race for the second automatic promotion slot in the Championship is heating up, with Leeds United increasing the pressure on the Saints with a late win against Preston North End of Sunday. Daniel Farke’s side is four points behind Southampton and third-placed Ipswich Town, who play league leaders Leicester City tonight at the King Power Stadium.
Saints manager Martin expressed delight in his team, but warned that it will only mean something if they can hold off Leeds and Ipswich and restore their Premier League berth at the first attempt.
“It is a nice moment,” he stated. “I am extremely grateful to the players for what they have done and the courage they have demonstrated. “I’m extremely proud.”The way they accomplished it in the first half was one of the best performances I’ve ever witnessed as a coach. They’ve worked extremely hard and have really stepped up. They’ve written themselves into history, so let’s keep it continuing.
However, he emphasized that the record will only truly mean if they achieve their ultimate aim, saying, “It will have more significance, importance, and standing if we achieve what we want at the end of the season, otherwise it will be just something we’ve achieved together.”
Che Adams, Will Smallbone, and Flynn Downes all scored first-half goals for the Saints, including his first against his previous club on his 25th birthday. Southampton must still travel to Elland Road for the Championship season’s final day game.
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