Aribo scores first goal in 182 days as Southampton throw away two-goal lead to lose to Leicester

Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo opened his Premier League goal account in Southampton’s narrow 2-3 defeat to Leicester City on Saturday evening at St. Mary’s Stadium.

Before the visit of Leicester City, Aribo's last goal in a competitive game for Southampton was scored 182 days in a Championship clash with Cardiff City on April 20, 2024.

The Nigerian international scored the second goal for the Saints after Cameron Archer had given the hosts the lead, but Leicester City’s spirited second-half performance saw them claw back to claim all three points.

In the 4th minute, Aribo almost broke the deadlock with a powerful header from Ryan Manning’s corner kick, but his effort thundered against the crossbar.

Four minutes later, Cameron Archer made no mistake, capitalizing on a deflected cross from Manning after a swift team move initiated by Kyle Walker-Peters to give Southampton the lead.

After a missed attempt by Archer, Aribo latched onto a cross from Walker-Peters, slotting home to double the Saints' advantage in the 28th minute.

Southampton went into the break with a comfortable two-goal cushion, while Leicester struggled to find rhythm.

However, Foxes’ manager Steve Cooper made crucial second-half substitutions, bringing on the likes of Harry Winks, Abdul Fatawu, and Jordan Ayew.

The change proved pivotal as Fatawu provided the assist for Leicester’s first goal in the 64th minute. 

The Ghanaian winger dribbled past Fraser and delivered a perfect ball to Facundo Buonanotte, who slotted it past Aaron Ramsdale.

Leicester equalized in the 74th minute after VAR awarded a penalty when Jamie Vardy was pulled down by Ryan Fraser, resulting in a red card for the Southampton player. 

Vardy coolly converted the penalty to bring the score to 2-2.

The final blow came deep into stoppage time. In the 98th minute, substitute Jordan Ayew blasted home a cross from Harry Winks to seal the dramatic victory for Leicester.

Despite Aribo’s full 90-minute performance, Southampton couldn't hold on for a point. 

Paul Onuachu came on for Archer in the 68th minute, while Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi played the full match.

Following the defeat, Southampton remained rooted at the bottom of the Premier League, still searching for their first win of the season, while Leicester City climbed to 13th place with 9 points.
 

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: southamptonfc.com

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com