Southampton 1 Arsenal 1 : Aribo, Edozie feature as Saints come from behind to earn a point

Super Eagles star Joe Aribo was in action for Southampton in their 1-1 home draw with Premier League leaders Arsenal at the St Mary's Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

Anglo-Nigerian youngster Sam Edozie continued his bench role for the Saints but came on in the 80th minute as a replacement for Stuart Armstrong.

Aribo, who was starting his fifth consecutive Premier League game, was in action for 73 minutes, making two tackles and having one successful dribble.

The 26-year-old was deployed upfront alongside Adams Armstrong in a 4-4-2 formation. Playing an inform Arsenal side, the Saints had little percentage of the ball and that resulted in Aribo having only twenty-eight touches in the game.

Arsenal began the game on the front foot, putting pressure on the hosts and it paid off in the 11th minute as Granit Xhaka smashed home from a Ben White's pass.

Ralph Hasenhüttl's men responded well to the early setback but were unable to make use of their goal scoring chances.

In the 58th minute, Aribo heaped pressure on Aaron Ramsdale and it forced him to clear the ball into the stands.

The Nigeria international was almost putting his employers ahead but his effort was stopped by Ramsdale in the 69th minute. 

Manchester City old boy Edozie looked lively when he came on, causing havoc on the counter but couldn't inspire a win for his team.

Aribo has scored two goals in twelve appearances in the English top-flight this season.

Toyosi Afolayan

Photo Credit : southamptonfc.com 

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