'It was a really good feeling' - Aribo reacts after scoring wonder goal in first St Mary's start

Joe Aribo has expressed his happiness at opening his goalscoring account for Southampton, albeit in an unofficial game, as they suffered a 2-1 loss to Villarreal in their final pre-season fixture on Saturday, July 30.

Making his first start at the St Mary's Stadium since completing his move to the Saints, the versatile midfielder endeared himself to the Southampton fans after netting a beauty in the 64th minute. 

Aribo picked up possession inside his own half, embarked on an excellent solo run and went past four Villarreal players before slotting the ball past Pepe Reina in the 64th minute.

The number 7 thought he'd scored a second goal for Southampton when he headed in but was flagged offside.

In the fifth friendly of the European Summer Tour 2022, Villarreal picked up another win thanks to goals from Yeremy and Gerard.

After netting his first goal in Southampton colours, Aribo is hoping to take his goalscoring form into the new season.

"I was laughing with the boys inside. I said I didn’t even know where I pulled that chop on the right foot out from, but it was a really good feeling to score at home and hopefully I can take that into games to come and help the boys this season," Aribo told Southampton's official website.

"It’s really important [to have scored] and hopefully I can take that momentum into the games to come."

Another Nigeria international in Samuel Chukwueze was introduced off the bench for Villarreal just past the hour mark.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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