Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo’s EPL debut ends in disappointing defeat at Tottenham

The Nigerian playmaker would have hoped for better at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but his side crumbled after taking an early lead

Joe Aribo made his long-awaited Premier League debut in Southampton’s opening day trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

But the day did not end well for the Nigeria international as Southampton fell to a 4-1 defeat despite taking an early lead.

How did it happen?

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl named Joe Aribo in his starting eleven as the 26-year-old made his Premier League debut alongside newbies Gavin Bazunu and Roméo Lavia.

And that big decision appeared to have galvanised the Saints, who took the lead through James Ward-Prowse after just 12 minutes.

But Spurs responded to that setback brilliantly.

Antonio Conte’s men equalised in the 21st minute, thanks to Ryan Sessegnon’s header. Eric Dier then gave the hosts the lead ten minutes later. 2-1 the scoreboard read at the break.

Spurs nearly made it three-one moments after the restart, but Ryan Sessegnon’s finish was correctly flagged for offside.

There was no stopping the rampant home side, though, and they got their third goal courtesy of a Mohammed Salisu own goal on the hour mark.

Dejan Kulusevski made it 4-1 shortly after. And Spurs held on for an excellent victory.

What next for Aribo and Southampton?

Aribo signed a four-year deal when arriving from Rangers this summer, and the midfielder will have enough opportunities to help the Saints become a better team.

The former Charlton Athletic developed a winning mentality in Scotland, where he scored 26 goals in 149 appearances on the road to winning the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup.

Aribo and the Saints will have a chance to bounce from this defeat when they host Leeds United at St. Mary next Saturday.