Southampton secured an impressive 2-1 victory over Leeds United to round off the regular Championship season and supporters had a lot to say about the performance of Flynn Downes.
A fascinating final day saw the Saints beat third-place Leeds and confirm their opponents in the play-offs.
Russell Martin’s men will go away to West Brom on Sunday, May 12 before playing them in the second leg at St Marys on May 17.
Having sunk to three straight defeats against Cardiff City, Leicester and Stoke City, Southampton’s excellent performance at Elland Road this afternoon will have restored faith and given the players a huge confidence boost ahead of the play-offs.
All three goals came in the first half in West Yorkshire as Adam Armstrong opened the scoring and Joel Piroe cancelled that out a moment later before Will Smallbone rounded off a fantastic team move to put the Saints back ahead.
That was how the match finished, with Southampton capping off their season in style and Flynn Downes earning so much praise.
Southampton fans praise Flynn Downes vs Leeds United
Downes returned to the matchday squad following injury in the 1-0 defeat to Stoke City but was given the nod in the starting XI against Leeds today.
The 25-year-old has become a fan favourite at St Mary’s since arriving on loan from West Ham and he continued to show why this afternoon.
He put in a commanding midfield performance and his driving runs, incredible energy and tenacity to win the ball back were all attributes on show.
Southampton fans were left pleased with watching Downes back in the starting XI and believe his return could prove to be the difference in the play-off campaign.
One supporter said: “Flynn Downes with another mint performance. If there’s any way we can keep him, do it.”
Another wrote: “Flynn Downes is sensational. Keep him fit for the next 3 games and we have a real chance of playing Premier League football next season.”
A fourth added: “Flynn Downes statue if we go up btw Outrageously good.” A fifth said: “Flynn Downes exceptional player.”
Southampton must strike permanent Flynn Downes deal
Martin recently said that Downes is one of the best players in the league after netting a last-minute winner in a five-goal thriller against Watford.
It’s hard to argue against that claim as the Saints metronome has been a colossal figure across the campaign, ranking in the top 11% for interceptions, the top 8% for carries and the top 1% for pass completion.
Downes is the perfect player to carry out Martin’s possession-orientated style and Southampton must strike a permanent deal with West Ham.
The former Swansea City star is never breaking into West Ham’s midfield regularly and regardless of whether the club win promotion, Downes has found a home at St Marys.
Supporters will be clamouring for him to join permanently, and some would argue it’s the first piece of business the South Coasters should do this summer.