The Nigerian superstar came from the bench to make a big impact for the Saints, and he admits that it was all planned from the dressing room
Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo has admitted that his Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhüttl informed him that he would have to start from the bench before going on to make an impact in their game against Leeds.
Aribo started Southampton’s opening Premier League fixture against Tottenham, but it ended painfully, as the Saints were heavily thrashed 4-1.
However, in the Saints’ second fixture, coach Hasenhüttl decided to bench the Super Eagles star.
After a barren first half, Southampton lost their heads in the second half and fell two goals behind 15 minutes into the second period.
Aribo was brought on in the 62nd minute, and it took him just ten minutes to make an impact. The former Rangers man fired home from close range after beating Illan Meslier in the Leeds box.
Kyle Walker-Peters then slammed in the second for the Saints to ensure it ended 2-2 at Saint Mary’s.
Aribo reveal that Hasenhüttl left him out of the starting lineup for tactical reasons and it paid off in the end.
“I spoke to the manager the day before the match and he just said ‘be ready for me’ for when I need to come on and impact the game,” Aribo told the Daily Echo
“Things like that happen. That’s what I do, every time I play I want to leave my impact on the pitch and luckily I was able to do that.
“The manager said he was going to take me out and give me some time. I’m here to do the job so no matter if I’m starting on the bench or starting in the team I’m ready to make my impact on the team.”
Aribo’s strike not only helped Southampton claim their first point of the season, but it also sealed his name in Southampton history, as he became the first Nigerian to score for the club.
He would look to spur his side to victory when they square off against Leicester City on Saturday.
