Southampton kick-off new Championship season with win at Wednesday

After 11 years away from Championship football, Southampton made a return with a deserved 2-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday.

Eight minutes into the encounter, Southampton found themselves in front. Nathan Tella – one of now-promoted Burnley’s best players last season – saw his shot deflect in off the head of Armstrong.

Soton were dominant against Sheffield Wednesday – who gained promotion from League One last season themselves.

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However, Wednesday levelled on 54 minutes when 34-year-old Lee Gregory reacted quickest to a corner and score from close range.

The scores stood at 1-1 until late in the match when substitute Ché Adams was graciously set up by England international and dead ball specialist James Ward-Prowse to calmly slot into the net.

The win for Southampton at Hillsborough opens the new 2023-24 English Championship season as they will look to build on it.

Speaking after the match, Sheffield Wednesday boss Xisco Munoz said: “The performance of the team was perfect. I think it’s what we want; we know exactly where we are.

“We need to improve in some situations, but I think we had our chances. We gave some chances; the first goal was a brilliant goal and the second goal was perfect also.”

Meanwhile, Southampton manager, Russell Martin had this to say: “I’m really proud of the players. After five weeks’ work, to come here, to where they were so good last season, albeit in a different division, was not an easy start for us.