The Super Eagles midfielder gave yet another brilliant performance for his side, but it was not enough
Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo scored his first goal for Southampton, but it was not enough, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Villarreal.
The Saints squared off against Villarreal in their fifth preseason game. Southampton were coming off an outstanding victory against Monaco, while Villarreal had been fantastic in preseason, winning their last four.
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhüttl handed Aribo a starting shirt, but it did not start so well for the Saints.
19-year-old Yeremy Pino put the Yellow Submarine in front just after 14 minutes of play. But the Saints were unable to respond until the second half.
However, when they did respond, it was in spectacular fashion.
Saint Joe 😍
Joseph Aribo off the mark for Southampton 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bzwqJs1zZf
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) July 30, 2022
Aribo picked up the ball from his own half after a failed Villarreal attack. Then the former Rangers man sprinted forward. Aribo moved infield, towards traffic where he was surrounded by Villarreal players.
The Nigerian midfielder left five Villarreal players for dead before striking a perfectly-placed curler past a helpless Pepe Reina in the Villarreal goal.
Nonetheless, Southampton’s joy did not last long, as Gerard Moreno scored in the 72nd minute to ensure the Yellow Submarine ran out with a 2-1 victory.