POST-MATCH ANALYSIS | SOUTHAMPTON 5-1 MILLWALL

 

SOUTHAMPTON EXPELLED FROM EFL PLAYOFF FINAL AFTER SPYING

Southampton were on Tuesday expelled from the Championship play-off final after admitting to spying on a training session of semi-final opponents Middlesbrough.

Southampton have been kicked out of the Championship playoffs after being found guilty of spying on semi-final opponents Middlesbrough, the English Football League said on ‌Tuesday.

Middlesbrough, who lost 2-1 to Southampton in the two-legged semi-final, have been re-instated ‌and will now face Hull City on Saturday in ‌what is ⁠dubbed the ‌world's richest football match.

Promotion to ‌the Premier League is estimated to be worth in the region ⁠of 200 million pounds ($268.10 million) over three seasons. Southampton, who admitted the charges, were also found guilty of filming training sessions involving Oxford United in December and Ipswich Town in April during the regular season. They have also been deducted four points for the start of next season in England's second tier.

"An Independent Disciplinary Commission has today expelled Southampton from the Championship play-offs after the club admitted multiple breaches of EFL regulations related to the unauthorised filming ‌of other clubs' training," the ⁠EFL said.

"Southampton admitted breaches of Regulations requiring Clubs to act with the utmost good faith and prohibiting the observation of another Club's training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match. The effect of today's order is that Middlesbrough are reinstated into the 2026 play-offs and will proceed to the play-off final against Hull City. The final remains scheduled for Saturday 23 May, with the kickoff time to be confirmed."

The EFL confirmed that Southampton could appeal against the decision and that "parties are ‌working to try and ‌resolve any appeal on May ⁠20. "Subject to the outcome, it could result in a further ⁠change to Saturday's fixture," ⁠the statement said.

Middlesbrough had called for Southampton's expulsion after having a training session filmed ahead of the first leg of their playoff semi-final with Southampton which ended 0-0.

The club said it welcomed the decision. "We believe this sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct," Middlesbrough said in a statement. "As a club, we are now focused on our game against Hull City at Wembley on Saturday."

Southampton were relegated from the Premier League last season and were struggling in the early part of this campaign until a storming finish in which they went unbeaten in 19 league games to finish fourth and enter ‌the playoffs.

- REUTERS/LONDON

SOUTHAMPTON CHARGED BY EFL AFTER BEING ACCUSED OF SPYING ON MIDDLESBROUGH

 

The Riverside Stadium hosts the first leg between Middlesbrough and Southampton

Southampton have been charged with a breach of EFL regulations after being accused of spying on a Middlesbrough training session ahead of the two clubs' Championship play-off semi-final.

The English Football League had received a complaint from Middlesbrough over allegations of unauthorised filming by someone connected to Southampton during a training session ahead of Saturday’s first leg at the Riverside Stadium.

The incident had revived memories of an incident when the League issued a fine of £200,000 to Leeds for spying on a Derby training session before a match between the two clubs in January 2019.

An EFL statement on Friday night read: "Southampton Football Club has today been charged with a breach of EFL Regulations, and the matter will be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission.

"This follows a request from the EFL for the club’s observations after a complaint from Middlesbrough relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private property ahead of the two clubs meeting in Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final first leg.

"The charges relate to the following Regulations: EFL Regulation 3.4, which requires clubs to act towards each other with the utmost good faith; and EFL Regulation 127, which prohibits any club from observing, or attempting to observe, another club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two clubs.

"Under EFL Regulations, Southampton would ordinarily have 14 days to respond to the charges.

"However, given the nature of the matter, the EFL will ask the Independent Disciplinary Commission to shorten the response period and to list a hearing at the earliest opportunity.

"The League will make no further comment whilst proceedings are ongoing. "

Saints responded to the EFL charge, saying: "Southampton Football Club acknowledges the statement issued by the EFL in relation to alleged breaches of EFL Regulations.

"We can confirm that we will be fully cooperating with the League throughout this process.

"Given the ongoing nature of the matter, the club is unable to comment any further at this time."

Middlesbrough have been approached for comment by the Press Association.

Hull and Millwall met on Friday night in the other Championship semi-final, with the first leg being drawn 0-0.

Tigers boss Sergej Jakirovic said he was completely unaware of the 'spygate' story surrounding Southampton.

"Why do you need to spy? We played already," Jakirovic said.

"I know everything about everything. What Middlesbrough will surprise (with?) He will put 14 players? What? Unbelievable. Really?"

Millwall manager Alex Neil said: "I would certainly comment on it if somebody from Hull was hiding in a tree videoing our training. Well, I might not have caught him yet!

"It doesn’t affect us, so I’m not going to get involved in that conversation."

The alleged incident has revived memories of when the League issued a fine of £200,000 to Leeds for a breach of its ‘good faith’ regulations in 2019.

Then Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa sent a spy to the Derby training ground before a match between the two clubs.

Bielsa, who faced fierce criticism for his actions and responded by delivering a lengthy press briefing outlining his coaching methods, paid the fine out of his own pocket.

- RTE | 100

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ARSENAL: MIKEL ARTETA REVEALS WHO MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AFTER FA CUP EXIT

Gunners have seen their quadruple dream vanish in the pace of a fortnight

VERDICT: MIKEL ARTETA
AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Mikel Arteta refused to criticise his Arsenal players despite their shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Southampton.

The Gunners were beaten 2-1 by the Championship side on Saturday night, thus missing out on a place at Wembley in the semi-finals later this month.

It is now back-to-back defeats for the first time this season for Arsenal, a fortnight on from their tame Carabao Cup final showing against Manchester City.

Arsenal were poor again at St Mary's, struggling almost every time Southampton countered. Ben White misjudged a cross to allow the Saints to take the lead and the defending was weak in the final minutes for Shea Charles' winner.

Arteta's side must swiftly rediscover some confidence, with a trip to Sporting in the Champions League to come on Tuesday night to come before the Premier League title run-in resumes.

The Arsenal manager was keen to emphasise the physical toll his players continue to put themselves through as he vowed to "defend them more than ever".

"I love my players," Arteta said.

"What they have done for nine months - I'm not going to criticise them because we lost a game here in the manner that they tried.

"And the way they are putting their bodies through everything. Some of them probably didn't even have to be here today. I'm not going to do that at all. I'm going to defend them more than ever.

"Someone has to take responsibility. That's me and we have the most beautiful period of the season ahead of us. And now is the moment.

“In the season, you always have moments. Normally two or three. This is the first moment that we have with a certain level of difficulty.

"So stand up, make yourself accountable and deliver like we’ve been doing all season."

- MATT VERRI

ARSENAL THREATEN TOTAL TROPHY COLLAPSE WITH SHOCK FA CUP DEFEAT AT SOUTHAMPTON

Arsenal have lost out on another trophy after a shock 2-1 defeat away to Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Shea Charles came off the bench to score the decisive goal with only five minutes to play at St Mary's on Saturday night.

Charles has sent Southampton into the FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: Getty

Arsenal looked to be heading for extra time when Viktor Gyokeres levelled after Ross Stewart opened the scoring for Southampton.

But the Gunners, who lost to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final less than two weeks ago, are now out of the FA Cup.

It's a significant moment in the season run-in, and comes just weeks after Arsenal were eyeing up a historic quadruple.

They remain top of the Premier League and will play in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

However, the pressure will really begin to kick in when they navigate the final weeks of the campaign.

"Southampton have dumped out the Premier League leaders," said Alex Crook on talkSPORT. "The treble dream is over."

Former Gunner Perry Groves added: "Southampton thoroughly deserved it, both goals they scored were top quality."

"(Taylor) Harwood-Bellis was perfect, every Southampton player to a man did their job to perfection," he also said.

Arsenal were dealt a blow before the full-time whistle as Gabriel was substituted with an injury..

He was seen sitting on the bench with ice on his leg, with Mikel Arteta and co. now set for an anxious wait to see how bad the knock is.

Arsenal have lost out on two pieces of silverware in two weeksCredit: Getty

Is this when it comes crashing down?

Arsenal have been the most impressive side in the Premier League this season and looked strong when competing on all fronts.

However, as seen in recent years, the final weeks of the season have been too much to handle - and history could be repeating itself.

Southampton, who will play in the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2021, were the deserved winners on the night.

Arsenal on the other hand were void of any real quality, and have lost back-to-back games for the first time all season.

They return to action on Tuesday night against Sporting for their Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Some of the players' heads may well have dropped after defeat at Southampton, with Groves concerned about their mentality.

"It could have a huge impact, we won't know until the Sporting game," he said. "The treble dream is done and dusted, now they're going for the double.

The Gunners have gone from potentially winning four trophies, to only two

"This has got to hurt…they looked disjointed.

"It wasn't due to lack of effort, but they couldn't match the intensity of the Southampton players."

'It's really special'

Speaking post-match, winning goalscorer Charles told BBC Sport: "I got told to come on and try and get hold of the game, try and keep the ball a bit.

"We did OK, but to score was just special. I thought just try and place it in the corner.

"It's really special. These fans deserve this and you heard how loud they were tonight."

On the prospect of promotion to the Premier League and winning the FA Cup in the same season, he added: "To do something like that with this team would be unbelievable."

Another week, another cup defeat for Arsenal Credit: GETTY

Cheeky dig

Southampton's joy on Saturday spilt onto social media after the game too, with them taking a cheeky swipe at a fan.

An Arsenal supporter commented on their full-time post, writing: "Fluke win."

But they replied, saying: "Enjoy your quadruple, pal."

The Saints have certainly had the last laugh tonight.

- Robert Calcutt

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CHELSEA SET TO SACK ENZO MARESCA IF BLUES DON'T BEAT SOUTHAMPTON AND LEICESTER AS ARSENAL LEGEND PAUL MERSEN EXPLAINS 'SUFFOCATED' COLE PALMER'S RECENT STRUGGLES

Getty

Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes Chelsea will sack Enzo Maresca if the Blues fail to beat relegation-threatened Southampton and Leicester City.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Merson believes that if Chelsea are unable to beat Southampton and Leicester, who are 20th and 19th respectively in the English top-flight, in their next two Premier League games, the Italian will lose his job. The ex-England international also theorised that Palmer's drop-off in form is down to not having Nicolas Jackson playing alongside him, with the striker currently out injured

Getty

.WHAT PAUL MERSON SAID

He said on Sky Sports: "If they don’t win their next two games, the manager won’t be there. They’re playing against two of the worst teams to play in the Premier League for I don’t know how long in Southampton and Leicester. So, if they don’t win those two games, he will do well to keep his job. Chelsea have got to get in the Champions League. They need the Champions League to keep players like Cole Palmer as he will want to play in that competition. They will have to finish in the top five, otherwise I dread to think what’s going to happen. I just don’t see what the plan is."

Merson added: "Even Palmer has struggled now, Palmer needs Nicolas Jackson, and Jackson needs Palmer. Without Jackson's movement, Palmer gets suffocated out of the game. He hasn't got any movement in front of him. People give Jackson stick but you can see how good he is now he's not in the team. Now, all of a sudden, they've got nothing up front, so no one's making the runs and Palmer's got no space. So he's getting deeper and deeper. Jackson's a massive miss."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Indeed, Chelsea have taken just nine points from their last 10 league matches and Palmer has failed to register a single goal or assist across his last five games. They are just one point outside the Champions League qualification spots, with fifth likely to secure a berth into next season's competition. But it is very tight in the fight for Europe and if the Blues' poor run continues, they could slide down the table quickly.

- Richie Mills

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MANCHESTER UNITED 3-1 SOUTHAMPTON | POST MATCH ANALYSIS

WHAT JOSHUA ZIRKZEE DID AFTER AMAD'S HAT-TRICK SAY IT ALL ABOUT MAN UTD STAR

Manchester United star Amad scored a late hat-trick against Southampton on Thursday night.

Amad Diallo stole the show for United against Southampton (Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)

Joshua Zirkzee paid tribute to Amad after the Manchester United starlet saved the team from a potential upset against Southampton.

The Saints, who are languishing at the bottom of the Premier League with just one win this season, were leading until the final 10 minutes.

However, Amad turned the game on its head, netting three goals in 12 minutes to secure a remarkable 3-1 victory. His hat-trick ensured United claimed all three points, with his teammates recognising the Ivorian's brilliance as he becomes the Red Devils' star player.

As the United team returned to the centre circle following Amad's third goal, Zirkzee showed his admiration by bowing towards him.

With nine goals in all competitions, Amad is now United's top scorer in what is proving to be a breakout season for the former Atalanta player.

He also played a pivotal role in securing a significant victory for manager Ruben Amorim against Manchester City last month. While Amorim praised his young star, he was keen to ensure Amad remains grounded and quickly shifted focus to their next match.

Joshua Zirkzee was spotted bowing towards Diallo (Image: X (@_StrettyEnd))

He said: "The important thing is to win, and he helped us to win. Then he's doing a very good season. So, that's it. I already spoke about this, we have to be careful with the young kids. Was a really good job today. He has a lot to improve, but this game is in the past.

"We need to prepare the future. In the game, in football, the life is like this. So, congratulations to him, to all the team, enjoy tonight, is a very good moment and he needs to appreciate this moment, but, tomorrow, he's going to recover and we have to prepare for the next game."

Amad Diallo has enjoyed a sensational breakout season so far (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Captain Bruno Fernandes has also praised Amad, stating that there is still significant room for growth. In an interview with the BBC last month, Fernandes said, "He's been doing great things and there's a lot more to come.

"He's always active, always alive and this is why he gets the penalty and his goal. He's been brilliant but I shouldn't say much as we need to keep him going as we need him at this level. Like this he is unstoppable."

- SAMUEL MEADE, CHARLIE PARKER-TURNER