Eagle-eyed fans spot Adam Armstrong’s injury-time error in Southampton’s promotion triumph

Adam Armstrong endured a moment to forget when eagle-eyed fans spotted him ripping off his shirt in premature celebration of his promotion.

Armstrong was 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 win.

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This will see the Saints return to the Premier League first time around, with Leeds having to endure another year in the Second Division, despite managing 90 points in the league.

For some players, the Championship play-off final can be the highlight of their career, so Armstrong could be forgiven for leaving a little early in his celebrations.

More than 11 minutes into added time at Wembley, referee John Brooks signaled a foul, but Armstrong misinterpreted what he meant and thought it was the full-time whistle.

He immediately ripped off his jersey and started running towards the fans before realizing the match was still in progress.

Armstrong quickly put his jersey back on for fear of a warning from the referee.

Although the 27-year-old could have avoided the referee’s gaze, 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 delay his celebrations, he didn’t have to wait much longer to see the real thing.

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After the free-kick was taken, Brooks exploded at full-time and Armstrong ripped off his shirt again – this time running towards the Southampton supporters’ end 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 really test Alex McCarthy in the Saints net.

Former Manchester United star Dan James had the best chance for Los Blancos when his late volley hit the crossbar in spectacular fashion.

But it wasn’t enough for Daniel Farke’s side, with supporters streaming from Wembley before the match started shocked to know their side won’t be playing in the Premier League next season despite scoring 90 points.

Just two years ago, Fulham won the championship with the same number of points.

Nonetheless, Farke must return to his youthful 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.